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The Florida Bar recognized 21 lawyers for their work on behalf of low-income and disadvantaged clients during a Jan. 22 ceremony at the Supreme Court of Florida.
Established in 1981, The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Awards are intended to encourage lawyers to volunteer free legal services to the poor by recognizing those who make public service commitments and to raise public awareness of the substantial volunteer services provided by Florida lawyers to those who cannot afford legal fees.
The awards recognize pro bono service in each of Florida’s 20 judicial circuits as well as service by one Florida Bar member practicing outside the state of Florida. They are presented annually in conjunction with the Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service and other service awards, which are given by the chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court.
In the most recent reporting period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, Florida lawyers provided more than 1.6 million hours of pro bono services to those in need and $9.6 million to legal aid organizations.
Among the honorees was Maria Isabel Casablanca of the 11th Judicial Circuit (Miami-Dade County).
For more than 30 years Casablanca has advocated on behalf of immigrants, dedicating more than 1,000 hours to pro bono immigration work. Casablanca began her legal career at Catholic Social Services, representing indigent immigrants in deportation (removal) proceedings, and has been fighting for the rights of immigrants ever since.
Casablanca has fought multiple years-long battles on behalf of individual clients, helping refugees fleeing persecution and wars secure lifesaving protections and services in the U.S.
In addition, Casablanca’s mentorship, recruiting, and training of junior attorneys, has proved invaluable in the ongoing fight to increase access to justice for Florida communities in need. Those she has mentored repeatedly cite her guidance in and passion for pro bono as a driving force for continuing their service in this challenging and emotionally taxing practice area.
Founded in 1949, The Florida Bar serves the legal profession for the protection and benefit of both the public and all Florida lawyers. As one of the nation’s largest mandatory bars,
The Florida Bar fosters and upholds a high standard of integrity and competence within Florida’s legal profession as an official arm of the Florida Supreme Court. To learn more, visit FloridaBar.org.
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