Manchester, N.H., Woburn, Mass. (March 12, 2024) – The law firm of McLane Middleton is pleased to announce its annual award winners – Jacqueline A. Leary (Jack B. Middleton Pro Bono Award), Jennifer R. Dionne (John A. Graf Client Service Award), and Joan Corey (John R. McLane Jr. Community Service Award).
The awards were presented at the firm’s recent Colleague Recognition Reception.
Jacqueline Leary was the recipient of the 19th annual Jack B. Middleton Pro Bono Legal Services Award for her outstanding commitment to providing legal counsel to those who need but cannot afford it. McLane Middleton created this award in support of its efforts to help ensure that all New Hampshire residents, regardless of resources, have access to the justice system. The award is named after Jack Middleton who has insisted over his storied career that lawyers have an ethical duty to provide legal services to those in need without regard to the ability to pay. Since the firm’s inception over a century ago, McLane Middleton has been a consistent leader in supporting the state’s most vulnerable. The firm’s commitment to providing pro bono legal services has continued as it has expanded its footprint into Massachusetts.
“Year after year Jacqueline consistently has a full pro bono case load with a particular focus in helping victims of domestic violence and family law in New Hampshire & Massachusetts,” said Andrew R. Hamilton, a director in McLane Middleton’s Litigation Department and chair of the Pro Bono Committee. “She exemplifies this award in spades for her long and continuing commitment to pro bono work.”
Jacqueline’s family law practice is focused on complex divorce and parenting issues for clients with substantial assets and complex cases in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. She can be reached in the firm’s Manchester office at (603) 628-1178 or jacqueline.leary@mclane.com.
Jennifer Dionne was the recipient of the firm’s annual John A. Graf Client Service Award. The award is named in honor of a former partner in the firm who was relentlessly focused on solving his clients’ problems. The award is provided annually to the McLane Middleton attorney, paralegal, or administrative colleague(s) who exemplifies the highest level of client responsiveness and excellence in service based on colleague observations, peer reviews, and client recommendations.
“Jennifer is a client service champion and has consistently met and exceeded client expectations and works diligently to provide excellent client service.,” said Mike A. Delaney, a director in the firm’s Litigation Department and Chair of the firm’s Client Service Committee. “She is a dedicated professional, who goes above and beyond to make sure clients are taken care of in the McLane Middleton way,” added Laura B. Dodge, a director in the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group and Vice Chair of the Client Service Committee.
Jennifer is a senior trust officer/manager in the firm’s Trust Services Department where she works closely with clients, financial advisors, and fiduciaries to help implement various strategies, facilitate funding, manage assets, expedite distributions, maintain reporting requirements, and coordinate related tax returns. She can be reached in the firm’s Manchester office at (603) 628-1269 or jennifer.dionne@mclane.com.
Joan Corey was the recipient of the firm’s John R. McLane, Jr. Community Service Award. This annual award is given to the McLane Middleton attorney, paralegal, or administrative colleague who exemplifies the highest commitment to the community based on colleague observations and peer reviews. The award is named after former partner, John R. McLane, Jr., who had a long history serving the community.
“Joan consistently went above and beyond with her volunteer efforts this year and consistently volunteered her time to help others in our community,” said John E. Hughes, a director in McLane Middleton’s Trusts & Estates Department and co-chair of the firm’s Community Service Committee. “She is always ready and happy to participate in our firm’s community service efforts and to assist organizations in need.”
Joan is a legal administrative assistant for the firm’s Corporate Department and can be reached in the Manchester office at (603) 628-1378 or joan.corey@mclane.com.