SBCF Honored With 13th Circuit Pro Bono Award
We are exceptionally proud to be honored with the 13th Judicial Circuit’s 2020 award for “Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Law Firm.” Here are some excerpts from the award write-up:
“The firm’s founder, Stephen Sessums, instilled in the firm a dedication to pro bono involvement as a means to providing a rewarding and substantial impact on the community. In keeping with that tradition, the firm has been a consistent provider of pro bono in the community. In the past three years alone, Sessums Black has donated approximately 1,258 hours to Bay Area Legal Services.
“In 2019 alone, the firm provided over 335 hours to pro bono services. For example, firm attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta agreed to handle a pro bono custody case where the client could not find or keep counsel due to the opposing party’s threats of violence and bullying, including threats against counsel and the judiciary. Ms. Ficarrotta took on the case despite these challenges and her client ultimately prevailed. Other Sessums Black attorneys have devoted significant hours to pro bono causes, including representing children in foster care and serving as volunteer attorneys for Bay Area Legal Services.”
SBCF Partners Stephen Sessums, Caroline Black Sikorske, Alexander Caballero and Jennifer Ficarrotta attended the virtual awards presentation on behalf of the firm. Steve said, “It’s a great honor for us to receive the award. We accept it on behalf of not only the lawyers but the staff, who contribute as well. From the beginning, we have tried to create an environment in which public service of all kinds to the Bar and elsewhere has been a core value of the firm. We’re honored by this recognition.”
Click below to view the presentation ceremony on Facebook.
