News Post

Alabama Bankruptcy Assistance Project Advisory Council Honored with the Pro Bono Law Firm/Group Award

MIRIMAR BEACH, Fla. and MONTGOMERY, Ala.—The Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program has awarded Alabama Bankruptcy Assistance Project Advisory Council, statewide, with the 2022 Pro Bono Law Firm/Group Award.

ABAP was presented with the award at the 145^th Annual Meeting of the Alabama State Bar on June 25, 2022, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Miramar Beach, Fla. The council was celebrated for the many ways it has impacted its community and profession.

The Alabama Bankruptcy Assistance Project (ABAP) was formed in 2017 as a collaborative project by the Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program, the South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program, the Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program, and the Montgomery Volunteer Lawyers Program. ABAP’s mission is to provide low-income Alabamians with pro bono Chapter 7 bankruptcy services, counsel regarding other debt relief options, and information about debt and the bankruptcy process.

Alabama State Bar President, Taze Shepard, said, “The Alabama State Bar is proud to award ABAP with the Pro Bono Law Firm/Group Award. Each council member exemplifies a dedication to the serving Alabamians.”

The ABAP Advisory Council aided in the development of ABAP’s informational brochure, which provides essential information for Alabamians struggling with debt. The council members gave their time and expertise in the recorded ABAP Bankruptcy CLE that is used to train and cultivate new bankruptcy lawyers. Council members also provide advice and information to the ABAP coordinator to help ensure the program’s success. Practitioners on the council serve as volunteer attorneys, offering pro bono representation to ABAP clients. It is with the help and support of the advisory council that ABAP has grown to 136 volunteer attorneys and served over 175 clients.

“The ABAP Council is very deserving of this award,” Alabama State Bar Executive Director, Terri Lovell, said. “We have all benefited from their contribution of the Bankruptcy CLE and service as pro bono representation to ABAP clients.”

ABAP Advisory Council Members:

Hon. Henry Calloway (U.S. Chief Bankruptcy Judge, Southern District of Alabama)

Hon. Jennifer Henderson (U.S. Bankruptcy Judge, Northern District of Alabama)

Hon. Bess Creswell (U.S. Chief Bankruptcy Judge, Middle District of Alabama)

Anne Guthrie (practitioner)

Tazewell Shepard (bankruptcy trustee)

David Weston (practitioner)

Alexandra Garrett (practitioner)

Britt Griggs (bankruptcy administrator)

Terrie Owens (bankruptcy trustee)

Linda Lund (executive director, ASB VLP)

Nichole Schoer (executive director, Madison County VLP)

Ariana Moore (executive director, SAVLP)

Peyton Faulk (executive director, Montgomery VLP)

Graham Hewitt (executive director, Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham)

Katarina Essenmacher (ABAP coordinator)

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The Alabama State Bar (ASB) is the official licensing and regulatory organization of lawyers in Alabama. Created in 1879, the Alabama State Bar became an integrated bar in 1923 by an act of the legislature. Since then, ASB programs and activities have continuously served the public and improved the justice system. It is dedicated to promoting the professional responsibility and competence of its members, improving the administration of justice and increasing the public understanding of and respect for the law.

View other award recipients here.

MEDIA CONTACT INFO:

Melissa Warnke
Director of Communications
Alabama State Bar
melissa.warnke@alabar.org
(334) 517-2218