Savannah attorneys earn pro bono recognition for giving back to community

Feb. 21-- Feb. 21--Savannah attorney Francesca Rehal on Thursday will receive the Savannah Bar Association's Pro Bono Advocate Award for the second consecutive year for handling the greatest number of cases during 2018.

Rehal, who specializes in family law and has assisted in the training of other volunteer lawyers in the area of domestic violence, was one of a number of local attorneys to be honored as 2019 Pro Bono award winners.

The Pro Bono Award program was a joint initiative of the Georgia Legal Services office and the Savannah Bar Association and is now an activity of the bar's Pro Bono Committee.

A pro bono attorney takes on a legal matter without the expectation of being paid and is encouraged by local bars as a way to give back to their communities.

"Attorneys provide quality service without charge as a way to give back to their communities," said Bill Broker, managing attorney for the legal services Savannah Regional Office.

Also scheduled to receive recognition are:

--Attorney Julia Sullivan, the Pro Bono Advocate Award for providing exceptional services to the underserved population in the Savannah area. She focuses on special education law and estate planning and is chair of the Pro Bono Committee of the Savannah Bar Association.

--The Savannah Morning News, the Pro Bono Catalyst Award for promoting the mission of the Georgia Legal Services Program which shares a unique partnership.

The Georgia Legal Services Program Champion of Justice Awards will be presented to:

--Chatham County Superior Court Judge James F. Bass Jr.

--Chatham County Juvenile Court Judge Lisa Goldwire Colbert

--Savannah attorneys Dolly Chisholm, partner, Bouhan Falligant

--Attorney Patrick O'Connor, managing partner, Oliver Maner

--Attorney Mark Schaefer, certified financial planner

"Providing pro bono services is an integral part of who we are as lawyers," said Rick Rufolo, Georgia Legal Services new executive director based in Atlanta. "The SBA Pro Bono Award recipients are remarkable people who embody the selflessness and commitment of lawyers who give back to those most in need."

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