chevron-down Created with Sketch Beta.

About the Award

The Section initiated the National Public Service Award in 1994 as part of its pro bono efforts.  The ABA Business Law Section National Public Service Award recognizes significant pro bono legal contributions of law firms, corporate law departments and individual business lawyers that demonstrate a commitment to providing legal services to individuals and entities that could not otherwise afford them.

Past recipients have demonstrated dedication to the development or delivery of pro bono legal services at the trial, appellate, and Supreme Court level, contributed significant work toward developing innovative approaches to the delivery of pro bono legal services, and/or provided sustained pro bono legal counsel to nonprofit organizations or to micro and small business enterprises in aid of community development.

Nomination Process

The nomination period for the 2026 National Public Service Award will open in December 2025.

Applicants may self-nominate. Submissions may be considered for the three upcoming years.  Please contact Chad Johannes ([email protected] or 312-988-6027) with any questions.

2025 Award Recipients

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

Wilson Sonsini’s exceptional and far-reaching pro bono achievements reflect a deep-rooted commitment to social impact, equity, and innovation. Building on a legacy of service established by its founding partners, the firm has expanded its pro bono practice across national and international offices, delivering critical legal support in civil rights, immigration, intellectual property, and nonprofit governance. In 2024, the firm made major strides in transactional pro bono work—hiring its first dedicated Pro Bono Counsel, launching a nonprofit pro bono task force, and training attorneys firm-wide. Wilson Sonsini’s impact includes helping minority-owned businesses, supporting veterans' healthcare access through Project Philo, empowering youth through entrepreneurship education, and assisting social enterprises in Africa's clean energy sector. Through partnerships with organizations like Justice Climate Fund, SDVLP, Mission Bit, and 1000 Black Voices, the firm has demonstrated how legal expertise can drive systemic change, economic opportunity, and climate equity.

Tara K. Burke

Tara has demonstrated outstanding and sustained contributions to pro bono legal service and nonprofit education at both the national and local levels. As the Knowledge Management Attorney for Jackson Lewis P.C.’s Disability, Leave & Health Management practice group, Tara has played a central role in Exponentum’s National Webinar Series, helping plan and deliver many high-impact webinars that have provided vital employment law guidance to hundreds of nonprofits serving low-income and disadvantaged communities. Simultaneously, she has been a dedicated volunteer with Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio (PBPO), leading educational workshops, authoring accessible legal resources, and providing direct legal assistance to nonprofits in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas. Her work has empowered nonprofits across the country to navigate complex legal issues, conserve resources, and focus more fully on their missions—ultimately benefiting vulnerable populations such as children, immigrants, small business owners, and older adults. Through her expertise, leadership, and unwavering commitment, Tara has had a transformative impact on the nonprofit sector.

Past Recipients

  • 2024
    • Firm: Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
    • Individual: Sara T. Ghadiri
  • 2023
    • Individual: Rachel Brown
    • Firm: Miller Johnson’s Project Giveback Team
    • Individual: Alfredo Silva
  • 2022
    • Firm: Fenwick & West LLP
    • Individual: Anna Dodson
  • 2021
    • Firm: Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
    • Corporate Law Department: The Startup Legal Garage
  • 2020
    • Individual: Linda Arnsbarger
    • Individual: Grace Robson
    • Firm: Dechert LLP
  • 2019
    • Individual: G. Eric Brunstad Jr.
    • Firm: DLA Piper
  • 2018
    • Corporate Law Department: Arizona Intel Legal Team
    • Firm: Duane Morris LLP
    • Corporate Law Department: Exelon Corporation
  • 2017
    • Firm: Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP
    • Individual: Lorri Anne Dunsmore
  • 2016
    • Firm: Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
    • Corporate Law Department: Turner Broadcasting System
    • Individual: Susan Mac Cormac
  • 2015
    • Firm: Seyfarth Shaw LLP
    • Individual: Robert Scott
  • 2014
    • Firm: Sidley Austin LLP
    • Firm: Goodwin Procter LLP
    • Individual: Donald Parman
  • 2013
    • Firm: Troutman Sanders LLP
    • Corporate Law Department: Verizon
    • Individual: James L. Patterson
  • 2012
    • Firm: Ropes & Gray LLP
    • Corporate Law Department: Coca-Cola Company
    • Individuals: Andrea S. Kramer and Lisa Kaderabek
  • 2011
    • Firm: DLA Piper
    • Firm: Dykema
  • 2010
    • Individual: Douglas L. Rogers
    • Firm: IBM Law Department
  • 2009
    • Individual: Heidi Y. Echols
    • Firm: Stroock & Stroock & Lavan
  • 2008
    • Individual: Alison McKinnell King
    • Firm: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
  • 2007
    • Individual: Conrad G. Bahlke
    • Firm: Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
  • 2006
    • Individual: David Punzak
    • Firm: Skadden Arps
  • 2005
    • Individual: L. Joseph Genereux
    • Firm: Cooley Godward, LLP