MOBILE LAW FIRM RECEIVES AWARD AS BEST IN THE STATE FOR "VOLUNTEER LAWYERING"

The Mobile Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program announced today that a local law firm, Cunningham, Bounds, Yance, Crowder and Brown has been recognized by the State Bar as the top law firm in the State for "volunteer lawyering" in 2003.

The State Bar Association's Access to Justice Committee recently announced this award as part of its annual process of recognizing the top attorney, top law student and top law firm in Alabama for contributions to providing legal assistance for the poor. Detailed, documented nominations are invited by the Committee each year from Bar Associations throughout Alabama, as well as from national organizations.

Hank Caddell, Chairman of the Volunteer Lawyer's Program of the Mobile Bar commented that "recognition of the Cunningham, Bounds firm is long overdue in view of their history of helping the cause of legal services for the indigent. This award was based upon outstanding total commitment of the law firm, not only in attorney hours but in financial contributions to Mobile's Volunteer Lawyers Program."

"The Cunningham, Bounds firm has consistently devoted many hours of attorney time to volunteer cases over the years. Just as importantly, the firm has made a strong financial commitment to the Volunteer Lawyers Program, which had to deal with severe budget cuts for the last two years. We are truly grateful for their support and efforts and believe this recognition is well deserved."
The Volunteer Lawyer Program of the Mobile Bar involves over 700 local attorneys assisting low income citizens for no charge. It is currently assisting clients with over 1,000 open cases. It has been recognized as having one of the highest attorney participation rates in the nation.

The VLP's offices are located in the Van Antwerp Building. The program does not handle criminal cases but handles a variety of civil cases for those who meet income guidelines. The program may be reached at (251) 438-1102.