Bar association awards attorneys for their volunteer work

More than 100 victims of domestic violence received assistance in 2004 through the Domestic Violence Victims Assistance Project of the Volunteer Attorneys for Rural Nevada. In addition, 75 cases were placed with VARN's panel of volunteer attorneys and more than 50 people were assisted through VARN's self-help divorce clinics.

Attorneys participating in VARN's pro-bono program provide services in a variety of civil legal matters, including guardianships, bankruptcies, uncontested divorces, name changes, adoption, probate matters, wills, real estate and contract law. In addition, VARN's self-help divorce clinics assist low-income people with simple uncomplicated divorce matters when the spouse's whereabouts are unknown or if the spouse is uncooperative or unresponsive.

Through VARN's Domestic Violence Victim's Assistance Project, free civil legal services are provided for survivors of domestic violence in divorce, custody, guardianship and parental right termination matters.

VARN also developed the Lawyer in the Library program in Carson City with the help of Law Librarian Kathy Harrington. Volunteering attorneys provided free legal advice to low-income persons in the Nevada State Law Library.

Last month, Supreme Court Chief Justice Nancy Becker presented the awards which are sponsored by the First Judicial District Bar Association. Awards were given in recognition for pro-bono work to people who cannot afford attorneys:

• Kateri Cavin - Best Participation by Attorney in Government Agency

• Trina Dahlin - Best Participation by a Government Agency

• Nancy Rey Jackson - Most Pro Bono Cases Accepted by an Attorney

• Danielle Christenson - Most Pro Bono Hours by an Attorney

• Kevin Walsh - Most Significant Contribution by an Attorney for the Domestic Violence Victim's Assistance Project

• Sandra Mae Pickens - Most Pro Bono Hours by a Rural Attorney

• Besley, Peck & Matteoni - Most Significant Financial Contribution by a Law Firm

• Kilpatrick, Johnston & Adler - Best Participation by a Law Firm

For information regarding VARN, contact Odessa Ramirez at 883-8278.