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Ellis Lawhorne Named Pro Bono Firm of the Year by South Carolina Bar
Columbia law firm Ellis, Lawhorne & Sims, P.A., has been named the Pro Bono Firm of the Year by the South Carolina Bar. The announcement was made at the 2008 Bar Convention, held January 24-27 at the Charleston Place Hotel in Charleston, S.C.
The Pro Bono Firm of the Year Award is an annual honor given by the South Carolina Bar recognizing a law firm that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to providing volunteer legal services for the poor and disadvantaged. Ellis Lawhorne was selected for its extensive commitment of legal services, financial support, and firm-wide volunteerism on behalf of Home Works, a nondenominational organization that seeks to improve the quality of life of South Carolinians in need.
This is the second time in its 28-year history that Ellis Lawhorne has been recognized by the South Carolina Bar as the Pro Bono Firm of the Year.
Commenting on Ellis Lawhorne’s selection for the award, South Carolina Bar President Lanneau Wm. Lambert, Jr., said, ”The work that Ellis Lawhorne has dedicated to the Home Works organization demonstrates a true commitment to pro bono service. The entire firm has made a significant impact not only on the organization’s operations, but also on the lives of the elderly and disadvantaged whose homes they have repaired. It is my hope that Ellis Lawhorne’s leadership will serve as an example and encourage other to volunteer in their communities.”
Ellis Lawhorne became involved with the Irmo, S.C.-based Home Works three years ago in part because the organization offers the firm many different areas for involvement. In addition to providing bro bono legal services, Ellis Lawhorne attorneys, staff and their families participate in “building blitzes” held by Home Works to repair the homes low income elderly or disadvantaged individuals who own their homes, but are not financially or physically able to make the repairs themselves. The firm also cooks meals for volunteers and makes a significant annual financial contribution.
Accepting the award on behalf of Ellis Lawhorne was shareholder W. Cliff Moore, III. Moore, who serves as the chairman of the Home Works Board of Directors. He said the organization has provided the firm with a unique opportunity for personal growth and team building.
“It’s one thing to go out after work and socialize with your co-workers. It’s an entirely different thing to go out after work and help others,” Moore explained. “When you see your co-workers give up their personal time to swing a hammer, cook a meal or simply reach out to someone less fortunate, you see them in a new light. Home Works has helped everyone at Ellis Lawhorne have a new appreciation for each other.”
Ellis Lawhorne has played a pivotal role in getting other organizations involved in Home Works. In 2007, the firm partnered with the Columbia Junior League to partner on the repair of a home. Nearly 100 people volunteered. The two groups plan to repair a second house in April 2008.
Members of the firm are also assisting Home Works in finding permanent warehouse home. Moore says the new warehouse will provide a secure location for Home Works’ donated supplies and tools, and also create more volunteer opportunities, particularly for teens.
“One of the great things about Home Works is its reliance on teen volunteers,” Moore explained. “Teenage volunteers gain an understanding of people in need, they learn what it is to help others, and they walk away with a respect for those less fortunate. It’s an important life lesson.”
Summarizing what volunteerism through Home Works means to Ellis Lawhorne, Moore said, “It’s not about home repair. It’s about hope; which we as a law firm want to bring to our fellow man.”
