Madison County Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder received the Land of Lincoln Joseph R. Bartylak Pro Bono award on Oct. 23 at the Madison County Bar Association pro bono luncheon.
Land of Lincoln’s managing attorney Joan Spiegel presented the award.
As a member of the Illinois State Bar Association Delivery of Legal Services Committee, Crowder has advocated initiatives to expand services, improve recruitment and recognize pro bono attorneys.
In 2011, when Chief Judge Ann Callis established the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Coordinating Council, Crowder was appointed chair.
Crowder also designed, organized and oversaw the implementation of the Legal Advice Center at the Madison County Courthouse, where low-income Madison County residents meet attorneys and receive free legal advice.
“Judge Crowder has been a tireless advocate for expanding access to justice for the low-income residents of our community," Spiegel said. "Her dedication to pro bono legal services is inspiring. The Legal Advice Center would not exist without Judge Crowder’s commitment to access justice.”
The Land of Lincoln Joseph R. Bartylak pro bono awards were created in 2011 in memory of Joseph R. Bartylak, Land of Lincoln’s executive director from 1976-2003.
Crowder receives Joseph R. Bartylak Pro Bono award
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