Kelly Guzzo, PLC was recently recognized for its long-standing commitment to representing Virginia’s most vulnerable consumers. The Virginia State Bar Association named the firm co-recipient of the 2019 Frankie Muse Freeman Organizational Pro Bono Award (Freeman Award).
The Freeman Award honors law firms or other organizations that make outstanding contributions to providing free legal services for people in need. In nominating Kelly Guzzo and co-recipient Consumer Litigation Associates, P.C., the Legal Aid Justice Center noted that Kelly Guzzo’s “culture of fighting for consumer rights…has provided immense value to countless low-income Virginians.”
Pro bono work has long been a key feature of Kelly Guzzo’s commitment to leveling the playing field between everyday consumers and companies. The firm’s attorneys dedicate approximately 20 percent of their time to pro bono work. Often, the firm’s attorneys will forego any fees they are entitled to receive when they partner with legal aid and anti-poverty organizations on a case, providing more financial relief to affected consumers. In other instances, attorneys’ fees have been donated to fund critical positions at legal aid and other community organizations. Kelly Guzzo attorneys also donate their time educating attendees at legal aid events and training other attorneys.
The award, named after civil rights leader Frankie Muse Freeman, was presented on October 16 at the Virginia State Bar Pro Bono Conference in Harrisonburg.
