Pro Bono Awards

The National Legal Aid and Defender Association honored Mintz with a 2025 Beacon of Justice Award, for its efforts to address civil and human rights–related issues. This is the sixth year in a row that Mintz has won this award.

Recognizing the vital role that private- and government-sector attorneys play in providing pro bono legal services to individuals who cannot afford counsel, the chief judges of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia established the annual Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll. Supported by the DC Access to Justice Commission, the DC Bar, and the DC Bar Pro Bono Center, the Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll pays tribute to thousands of DC Bar members and attorneys practicing under District of Columbia Court of Appeals Rule 49 who provide critically needed free legal services to individuals living in poverty, as well as to disadvantaged small businesses and community-based nonprofits that are essential to the economic well-being of the community. Honorees are recognized on the courts’ websites and through additional public acknowledgments.

High Honors
B’anca Glenn
Will McKitterick

Honors
Rachel Alexander
Madison Castle
Hannah Edge
Joanne Hawana
Todd Rosenbaum
Abdie Santiago
 

The Pro Bono Honor Roll recognizes Massachusetts-barred attorneys who meet annual pro bono service benchmarks during the designated reporting period. Attorneys achieving High Honors completed at least 100 hours of pro bono legal services during the previous calendar year, while Honors recognizes those who completed a minimum of 50 hours of pro bono service.

High Honors
Andrew Bobbitt
Edmund Daley
Danielle Dillon
Kathryn Droumbakis
Caroline Enright
Susan Finegan
Cory Flashner
Julia Hutchinson Morton
Martha Koster
Nick LaPalme
Amy LoBue
Catherine Lombardo
Michael Pollack

Honors
Michael Alario
Sav Arguello
Amanda Clairmont
Mitchell Clough
Jacob Goodelman
Geri Haight
Jane Haviland
Courtney Herndon
Ilse Johnson
Rebecca Lee
Colin MacDougald
Kadie Martin
Aaron Megar
Amanda Metell
Tom Pagliarini
Kianna Phillips
Clare Prober
John Quill
Gabe Rossman
Janki Viroja
 

The recognition underscores each attorney’s commitment to excellence, thought leadership, and meaningful contributions to clients and the broader legal community. David Hanna was recognized for his pro bono work advancing LGBTQ+ rights.

The Catalyst for Change Awards recognize exceptional leaders whose work has made a meaningful and lasting impact across Massachusetts. Susan Finegan was honored for her leadership and service.

The Go‑To Construction Lawyers Award recognizes leading construction lawyers across the commonwealth for their subject‑matter knowledge, record of success in cases and transactions, and strong client reputation. William Hill was honored for his leadership in founding and chairing Building for Good, Inc., a national web‑based platform that connects nonprofits and charities with skilled pro bono construction attorneys.

The Hon. Benjamin Travis Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who have made significant and enduring contributions to the African American legal community in California, recognizing exceptional leadership, commitment to justice, and advocacy for racial equity within the legal profession. Randy Jones was named a recipient.

The 2025 Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award recognizes attorneys involved with the City Bar Justice Center’s Immigrant Justice Project for outstanding volunteer service, based on demonstrated commitment to the project and its clients, the quality and volume of legal work performed, willingness to take on challenging assignments, and leadership in support of pro bono service. Elizabeth Platonova and Amanda Asaro were named recipients.

The Mary K. Ryan Achievement Award honors individuals who embody the values that defined Mary’s legacy as a champion of legal aid and pro bono service. Honorees have made pro bono a meaningful focus of their professional lives through sustained advocacy for access to justice, dedication to client representation, mentorship of others, and a selfless commitment of time and talent to serving those in need. Martha Koster was honored with this award.

The Pro Bono Mentor Award honors individuals' commitment to direct representation, high-quality pro bono work, and the mentorship provided to other individuals while serving as a PAIR ambassador within the legal community. Martha Koster was honored with this award.

This program is aimed to equip emerging leaders with essential skills / knowledge to drive positive change in their communities (and organizations). During the program, participants engage in a blend of academic content, practical application, and networking opportunities. The practical application aspect is the capstone experience where participants collaborate on a significant project with a local organization to tackle pressing community issues. Chris Bountempo was honored with this award.

In 2025, participants partnered with the MBTA. A short description of this initiative can be found here.

The Mintz Pro Bono Committee awarded Courtney Herndon with the 2025 Richard Mintz Pro Bono Award, which recognizes an attorney who demonstrates leadership and commitment to pro bono advocacy. The Richard Mintz Pro Bono Award is named in honor of Richard Mintz, the son of one of the firm’s founders, who embodied the generous spirit of Mintz and was a strong supporter of the firm’s pro bono contributions. Presented each year by Mintz’s Pro Bono Committee, this award recognizes one attorney who exhibits exceptional dedication to pro bono work. 

The National Legal Aid and Defender Association honored Mintz with a 2024 Beacon of Justice Award, for its efforts to address civil and human rights–related issues. This is the fifth year in a row that Mintz has won this award.

The Los Angeles Business Journal recognized Mintz as one of the 2024 Most Admired Law Firms To Work For. This accolade recognizes firms working towards creating diverse, positive, and supportive environments. The publication commended Mintz’s commitment to public service and community service, including the LA office’s “Lawyer for a Day” program for lower-income and immigrant students, donations to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and contributions to the firm’s Back to School Backpack Project.

The DC Access to Justice Commission named Mintz attorneys Ayaz Shaikh, Danielle Bereznay, and Kristopher Kirkwood to its 2023 Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll and Todd Rosenbaum to the High Honor Roll.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court named Member and Pro Bono Committee Chair Sue Finegan and Mintz attorneys Danielle Dillon, Kathryn Droumbakis, Caroline Enright, Gabriella Flick, Emma Follansbee, Geri Haight, Courtney Herndon, Angie Isaza-Loaiza, Ilse Johnson, Martha Koster, Melody Mathewson, Alain Mathieu, Audrey McQuade, Michael Molstad, Andrew Nathanson, Sofia Nuño, Kianna Phillips, Clare Prober, John Quill, Rebecca Raphaelson, and Thomas Wintner, and former Mintz attorneys Elizabeth Burnett, Susan Cohen, Andrew DeVoogd, Katharine Foote, Kenneth Monroe, Alyssa Scruggs, and Juan Steevens to the High Honor Roll of the 2023 SJC Pro Bono Honor Roll Program.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court named Mintz attorneys Keshav Ahuja, Andrew Bobbitt, Delaney Busch, Mitchell Clough, Dashiell Davis, Peter Demuth, Nadia Do Canto, Cory Flashner, Rebecca Lee, Catherine Lombardo, Ashley Markson, Kadie Martin, Laura Martin, Mathilda McGee-Tubb, Aaron Megar, Louis Mercedes, Peter Miller, Cassandra Paolillo, Amy Pearlman, Michael Pollack, Marina Rothberg, Kate Stewart, Janki Viroja, Xandy Walsh, and Paul Weinand, and former Mintz attorneys Nicholas Armington, Daniel Goodrich, Stefan Jović, and Ryan Rasdall to the Honor Roll of the 2023 SJC Pro Bono Honor Roll Program.

The Boston Bar Association awarded Member and Pro Bono Committee Chair Sue Finegan the Thurgood Marshall Award for her extraordinary work that has enhanced the human dignity of others, including leading numerous high-profile pro bono litigation matters, managing firm-wide pro bono efforts, and co-founding the Access to Justice Fellows Program.

Casa Cornelia Law Center awarded Pro Bono Publico Awards to Grecia Rivas-Rudra and Sebastian Navarro for their immigration pro bono work at its 17th Annual La Mancha Awards. Each year, Casa Cornelia Law Center honors the commitment of outstanding volunteer attorneys, law firms, interpreters, translators, law clerks, and community members whose exceptional dedication furthers the pursuits of Casa Cornelia’s clients and their cases.

Sanctuary for Families recognized Nicholas Butto with a 2024 Above and Beyond Award for excellence in pro bono advocacy for his extensive work with domestic violence survivors. This honor is awarded to pro bono teams that have gone “above and beyond” in their pro bono work on behalf of survivors of gender-based violence.

The National Bar Association inducted Randy Jones into the Fred David Grey Hall of Fame, a recognition that honors lawyers who have made significant contributions to the cause of justice in the legal profession and have practiced for at least 40 years.

Corporate Counsel Business Journal recognized Jen Rubin on its 50 Women to Watch list. The prestigious list celebrates women who exemplify outstanding leadership qualities, business acumen, and a commitment to mentoring in their communities.

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly recognized Natalie Groot and Cassandra Paolillo as 2024 Excellence in Law honorees in the Up & Coming Lawyers category, which honors stars in the legal community who have practiced for 10 years or less, but who have already distinguished themselves in their firm and practice, including through community involvement.

The National Law Journal selected Michelle Lipkowitz as the 2024 DC Managing Partner of the Year. According to the publication, this award recognizes “business leadership prowess” and highlights “notable initiatives and successes around law firm management.” Michelle participates on various nonprofit boards, serves on the firm’s Equity Advisory Council and Pride Steering Committee, and has championed Mintz’s affinity group dedicated to empowering lawyers and staff of color, MIATTY. In an interview with the National Law Journal, Michelle shared that “meeting our responsibilities to the communities in which we live and practice” are woven into the “fiber of our office.”

Chambers USA named Courtney Herndon on the short list for the DEI: Future Leader Award as part of the 2024 Chambers USA Awards – DEI Shortlist and Winners. This selection recognizes outstanding legal work and expertise, impressive strategic growth and innovation, and unparalleled excellence in client service delivery, including on pro bono matters.

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce selected Nicole Henry and Catherine Lombardo for the 2024 Women’s Leadership Program. This yearlong program is designed to empower women professionals to navigate and propel their careers to the next level while creating the conditions for other women to thrive.

The Boston Bar Association selected Evelyn Limon to join the Public Interest Leadership Program Class of 2024 – 2025. Each year, the Boston Bar Association’s Public Interest Leadership Program welcomes a select group of talented and highly motivated lawyers to participate in a yearlong program designed to provide intensive leadership and professional development training.

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce selected Ed Daley and Dave Conway for its 2024 Future Leaders Program. This program provides emerging and promising leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit.

Law360 selected Member and Pro Bono Committee Chair Sue Finegan for its 2024 Editorial Advisory Board “Access to Justice” in recognition of her work as a pro bono pioneer with a passion for helping underserved populations and for her exceptional litigation skills. 

The National Black Lawyers selected Michelle Lipkowitz and Courtney Herndon for the National Black Lawyers Top 100 list. 

The National Black Lawyers selected Alain Mathieu, Laura Martin, and former Mintz attorneys Chris Lighten and Allanah Wynn for its Top 40 Under 40 list.

The Mintz Pro Bono Committee awarded Nicholas Butto with the 2024 Richard Mintz Pro Bono Award, which recognizes an attorney who demonstrates leadership and commitment to pro bono advocacy. Nick has been a steadfast advocate for domestic violence survivors, working in collaboration with Sanctuary for Families in New York on five cases in this area over the past year. He has also represented several compelling political asylum clients in Boston and New York. In addition to his extensive pro bono commitments, Nick has been instrumental in recruiting other colleagues to join him in such efforts.

The National Legal Aid and Defender Association honored Mintz with a 2023 Beacon of Justice Award, recognizing the work the firm undertook in 2022 related to LGBTQ+, gender, and racial equity.

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly selected Mintz to appear in the Pro Bono Spotlight section in December.

The DC Access to Justice Commission named Danielle Bereznay, B’anca Glenn, and Rachel Yount to its 2022 Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll.

The Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court named 24 Mintz lawyers to its 2022 Pro Bono Honor Roll for individual attorneys, and 20 to its High Honor Roll.

The distinction requires a minimum of 50 hours of pro bono legal services in the previous calendar year, and 100 for the high honor roll.

2022 Honor Roll:              
Nicholas Armington, Delaney Busch, Amanda Clairmont, Mitchell Clough, Nadia Do Canto, Kathryn Droumbakis, Emma Follansbee, Joshua Fox, Jacob Goodelman, Geri Haight, Stefan Jović, Samantha Kingsbury, Kadie Martin, Laura Martin, Mathilda McGee-Tubb, Sofia Nuño, Cassandra Paolillo, Amy Pearlman, Christine Pemberton, Kianna Phillips, Clare Prober, John Quill, Mirele Sagan-Gutherz, Janki Viroja

2022 High Honor Roll:              
Keshav Ahuja, Smriti Choudhury, Andrew DeVoogd, Danielle Dillon, Ryan Dougherty, Caroline Enright, Susan Finegan, Katharine Foote, Daniel Goodrich, Nicole Henry, Rebecca Lee, Evelyn Limón, Audrey McQuade, Michael Molstad, Andrew Nathanson, Alyssa Scruggs, Juan Steevens, Kate Stewart, Betsy Burnett, Martha Koster

Tony Starr received a citation in recognition for his impressive work providing construction and contract advice to the league for the renovation of its historic building in Boston.

Martha Koster and Susan Finegan were recognized for their work founding the impactful Massachusetts Access to Justice Fellows program.

Nicole Rivers was named on the short list for the Diversity & Inclusion: Future Leader Award for her contributions to furthering the advancement of inclusion across the United States and Canada.

Drew DeVoogd was named on the short list for the Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year Award. The shortlist shines a spotlight on role models and trailblazers in pro bono advocacy and corporate social responsibility as well as inclusion efforts.

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly honored Drew DeVoogd with this special honor for attorneys who use their skills and resources to take on cases for the less fortunate and those in need.

Marine Bouaziz received a Certificate of Recognition for her dedication to the Family Court Volunteer Attorney Program.

Gideon’s Promise awarded Barry Bohrer the 2023 Ian Yankwitt Equalized Award for his public defense services and active commitment to transforming the criminal justice system by providing high-quality public defense for marginalized communities.

Joanne Hawana was named the Pro Bono Advocate of the Year by Kids in Need of Defense. The award recognized the most outstanding attorney who has gone above and beyond in their assistance to unaccompanied children and for their exceptional contributions to KIND cases.

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly honored Susan Finegan with the Hall of Fame Award for her contributions to the development of law and the bar, and her efforts to improve the quality of justice in Massachusetts.

Katharine Foote was selected to join the Boston Bar Association’s Public Interest Leadership Program Class of 2023.

William Bussiere, Natalie Groot, and Kevin Mortimer participated in the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Future Leaders Program. The program provides emerging leaders with a fully engaged leadership toolkit blending academic content, practical application, and networking.

Jen Rubin was named to the San Diego Business Journal’s Women of Influence in Law List, which honors women attorneys in the San Diego area who have made a significant impact on their clients, profession, and community.

Law360 named Mathilda McGee-Tubb to the 2023 Rising Stars-Top Attorneys Under 40 list for her career accomplishments and dedication to pro bono efforts.

Lara Compton & Kathyn “Katie” Edgerton were recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as Women of Influence Attorneys for their exceptional legal skill and achievement across the full spectrum of responsibility, exemplary leadership as evidenced by the highest professional and ethical standards, and for contributions to the Los Angeles community at large.

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly named Mathilda McGee-Tubb to its Up & Coming Lawyers list as part of the publication’s 2023 Excellence in the Law Awards. The distinction recognizes the rising stars of the local legal community who have practiced for 10 years or less.

Nicole Rivers was named to the San Diego Business Journal’s 40 Next Top Business Leaders Under 40. The list honors young professionals — leaders, change makers, and innovators — who are making waves, creating impact, and leaving a positive mark on the San Diego community.

On behalf of the firm, the Pro Bono Committee presents an annual award to an attorney who demonstrates leadership and commitment in the area of pro bono. Alyssa Scruggs has been a tireless advocate for human trafficking survivors throughout Massachusetts. For the last three years, she has spearheaded human trafficking legislative efforts — including proposed legislation that would decriminalize prostitution and another that would expand access to victim compensation. Alyssa has regularly attended legislative hearings on these bills and serves as the Co-Chair of the Boston Bar Association Human Trafficking Subcommittee. In addition to her legislative efforts, Alyssa served as part of a team that successfully vacated the convictions of a sex trafficking survivor, the first time that Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 265, Sec. 59 (the “Vacatur Statute”) (which Mintz helped pass) was applied to vacate a survivor’s convictions.