ABA Recognizes Law Firm for Outstanding Pro Bono Work

San Francisco --

Heller Ehrman White & McAuliffe, one of the nation's most respected law firms, is the recipient of the American Bar Association's 2000 Pro Bono Publico Award.

The award recognizes the firm's outstanding work on Compassion in Dying's litigation to improve end-of-life care and expand choices, among other projects.

The Pro Bono Awards, established by the ABA in 1984, identify and honor individual lawyers and law firms that have made extraordinary contributions by improving or delivering volunteer legal services to worthy recipients.

Compassion in Dying Federation's mission has benefitted enormously from Heller Ehrman's pro bono work. In 1999 alone, Heller Ehrman contributed nearly $150,000 worth of pro bono work on Compassion in Dying's various programs and activities.

In 1999, Heller Ehrman attorneys and paralegals collectively devoted more than 40,000 hours to pro bono clients and engagements. The firm is consistently ranked by The American Lawyer as one of the top law firms in the nation for its pro bono work.

"What an honor and delight to see that Heller Ehrman has won the Pro Bono Publico Award, in part for its fine and generous work for Compassion in Dying. I am humbled by the great gift of talent and time we have received and the ABA's recognition of its enormous value," said Barbara Coombs Lee, Compassion in Dying Federation's executive director.