CHAMBERSBURG – The Franklin County Bar Association celebrated Pennsylvania Pro Bono Week in late October by recognizing the exceptional contributions of local attorneys who provide free civil legal services to individuals and families in need.
This year’s honoree, Jeffrey S. Evans, was recognized for his unwavering commitment to pro bono service. Based in Waynesboro, Evans practices in family law, estate planning and administration, civil litigation and real estate law.
Throughout his career, Evans has demonstrated a deep dedication to serving the community, bar officials noted. His pro bono work has included handling protection from abuse cases, divorces, child support matters, adoptions and estate-related issues. He has also led divorce clinics for those who are representing themselves, empowering individuals to navigate the legal system with confidence.
“Attorney Evans has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure access to justice for those who need it most,” said Amelia Ambrose, director of the Franklin County Bar Association. “His generosity and leadership have made a lasting impact on our community.”
The Honorable Shawn D. Meyers, president judge of the 39th Judicial District, said, “With increasing demands on all who seek access to justice, the need for pro bono service is greater than ever. On behalf of the entire Board of Judges for the 39th Judicial District, we thank all the attorneys who either provide pro bono services to clients who appear before the court, and those that accept court-appointed cases at the court-appointed rates, which are far less than the rates counsel receives when privately billing the client.
“We are also fortunate to have two robust legal services offices located within our district to provide legal representation to those most in need. To Jeff Evans, this year’s Pro Bono award winner for Franklin County, congratulations!”
State Bar President Kristen B. Hamilton of Chambersburg said, “Income should not be a factor that determines who is able to access to justice or whose rights are protected, and pro bono work by attorneys is essential in making this principle a reality. Pro bono legal work reflects our profession’s commitment to equality under the law as promised by our U.S. and Pennsylvania Constitutions, both documents which we as attorneys, are tasked with upholding.”
“We here in Franklin County are particularly blessed with many attorneys in our bar association committed to this mission.”
Gabriele E. Miller Wagner, state Bar Association pro bono specialist said, “Franklin County has a great tradition of pro bono service, and it was exciting to see our PBA president, a Franklin County lawyer with a history of supporting the community in many ways, joining her local Bar in celebrating Franklin County pro bono efforts!”
Brittany R. Henderson, Franklin County Legal Services executive director, added, “Franklin County Legal Services appreciates our partnership with the Franklin County Bar Association and the dedicated private attorneys who take on cases pro bono to ensure our neighbors in need have access to justice.”
The celebration is part of National Pro Bono Week, an initiative led by the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the American Bar Association to highlight the vital role attorneys play in providing legal services to underserved populations. The week also serves to recruit and train new volunteers and recognize the partnerships that make pro bono work possible.
The Franklin County Bar Association is a membership organization committed to promoting justice and upholding the integrity of the legal profession. The association offers a variety of programs for both its members and the public. For more information, readers may contact Amelia Ambrose, director, Franklin County Bar Association, 717-267-2032, or [email protected]. The website is at www.franklinbar.org.
