The Florida Bar will recognize 20 lawyers, including Marathon attorney Richard Malafy, for their work on behalf of low-income and disadvantaged clients at a ceremony Thursday, Jan. 20 at the Supreme Court of Florida.
Established in 1981, the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Awards are intended to encourage lawyers to volunteer free legal services to the poor by recognizing those who make public service commitments and to raise public awareness of the substantial volunteer services provided by Florida lawyers to those who cannot afford legal fees. Florida Bar President Mike Tanner will present the 2022 awards.
The awards recognize pro bono service in each of Florida’s 20 judicial circuits. They are presented annually in conjunction with the Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service and other service awards, which are given by the chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court.
In the most recent reporting period from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, Florida lawyers provided more than 1.5 million hours of pro bono services to those in need and $6.7 million to legal aid organizations.
Malafy volunteers with Legal Services of Greater Miami’s pro bono clinics in Key Largo, Marathon and Key West, most recently helping families affected by COVID-19. He also works with local civic groups and churches to provide several residents of Monroe County who are in dire need of legal services the ability to connect with staff and attorneys. Malafy’s efforts have resulted in favorable outcomes for tenants facing eviction, homeowners still trying to rebuild after Irma, and clients whose lives have been upended by COVID-19. He has dedicated countless hours of pro bono services helping low-income residents rebuild their shattered community after each disaster. Malafy is currently assisting multiple community members with COVID-related issues, including filling out applications for benefits and aid.
