Pro Bono Program Announces 2022 Publico Awards

April 12, 2022
From left, back row: Deonta Woods 1L, Jaazaniah Catterall 3L, Josh Cox (Legal Aid North Carolina), J Hallen 3L. From left, front row: Megan Kahane 3L, Isabel Rose 2L, Kate Shurtleff 2L, Kate Giduz 2L, Professor Holning Lau.

The board of the UNC School of Law Pro Bono Program awarded the 2022 recipients of the Pro Bono Publico Awards at the annual Pro Bono Celebration Thursday, April 7. Graduating students with more than 75 pro bono hours were recognized as was the Class of 2022 for reaching 100 percent participation in pro bono projects. This is the fifth year in a row that the graduating class has reached 100 percent participation. The Class of 2022 completed more than 11,000 hours of pro bono services over the past three years.

“This year was a remarkable one for the Pro Bono Program. Not only have our students continued to show an extraordinary commitment to serving others but they have done it throughout another challenging year for our school and community, said Director of Pro Bono Initiatives Allison Standard Constance ’09. “We are truly grateful for our partners new and old who continue to provide opportunities for our students to engage in pro bono work, to build community, and to build skills for practice. It is heartwarming to see our students show passion, commitment, and a deep understanding of their obligation to use their skills to help others.”

This year a new award was given to the student who logged more than 1,000 pro bono hours during their three years as a law student.

This year’s award recipients included:

  • Sylvia K. Novinsky Award – Jaazaniah Catterall 3L
  • 3L Student of the Year – J Hallen 3L
  • 2L Student of the Year – Kate Giduz 2L
  • 1L Student of the Year – Deonta Woods 1L
  • Group Pro Bono Project of the Year – Death Penalty Project, led by Isabel Rose 2L and Kate Shurtleff 2L
  • Faculty Member of the Year – Holning Lau, Willie Person Mangum Distinguished Professor of Law
  • Alumnus of the Year – Stephen Robin ’18, Sherman & Howard
  • Partner/Organization of the Year – Legal Aid of North Carolina Statewide Expunction Project led by Josh Cox
  • 1000 Hour Award –Megan Kahane 3L

Learn more about the awards criteria.