2010 Pro Bono Award Recipient

2010 Pro Bono Award Recipient

Monday, December 6, 2010

The law firm of McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton, Professional Association is pleased to recognize the outstanding commitment of Michael Kenison with the sixth annual Jack B. Middleton Pro Bono Legal Services Award.

McLane, New Hampshire’s largest full-service law firm, with offices in Woburn, Massachusetts as well, created the award in support of its efforts to help ensure that all New Hampshire citizens, regardless of resources, have access to the justice system.   Since the firm’s inception more than ninety years ago, McLane has been a consistent leader in supporting the state’s most vulnerable residents.

Mike is a senior attorney in McLane’s Litigation Department.  Charla Bizios Stevens, a Litigation attorney and head of McLane’s Pro Bono Committee, awarded him with the honor, explaining one case on which Mike logged many of his more than 100 hours in pro bono service this year.

“McLane was asked by the Pro Bono section of the New Hampshire Bar Association to represent a woman who alleged that she unknowingly signed over the rights to her property and was eventually evicted, by her boyfriend,” Charla explained.  The case resulted in more than 100 court pleadings filed by the other party against our client. Mike served at her side to release her from the agreements,” she added.  

Stevens summed, “Mike’s dedication to achieving justice for his client was tireless.  He reflects the generous spirit that fuels the success of our pro bono program, and we are pleased to present Mike with the Jack B. Middleton award for his outstanding commitment.”  

Jack Middleton, a senior partner at the firm, was the first lawyer in private practice to be honored by the New Hampshire Bar Foundation with the Frank Rowe Kenison award for his exemplary work and substantial contributions to the betterment of New Hampshire’s citizens.  An esteemed trial lawyer for fifty years, Middleton has also given tirelessly to a number of civic organizations, including holding board positions with the United Way, the Mt. Washington Observatory and New Hampshire Public Television.   

Middleton was also among the pioneers of the IOLTA (“Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts”) program in New Hampshire.  Under IOLTA, interest earned on certain funds held by attorneys are used by the New Hampshire Bar Foundation to fund legal services for the poor.