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Icard Merrill Renews Commitment to Pro Bono Service Contact Name: Jan Oglesby Contact Email: joglesby@icardmerrill.com Contact Phone Number: 9413668100 The law firm of Icard Merrill has renewed its long-standing pro bono program for the 13th year, continuing the firm’s legacy of service by providing vital legal services to those in need. Icard Merrill has worked for many years with The Florida Bar, Legal Aid of Manasota, the 12th Judicial Circuit’s Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) program, and key community partners on hundreds of pro bono cases in numerous areas of law, including estate planning, probate, family law, guardianship, property issues, and more. Despite a pandemic and virtual challenges, the firm continued to serve clients and engage in the program throughout 2020 with over 550 hours of pro bono work completed by attorneys and staff. Ten of the firm’s attorneys were recently honored for “exceptional pro bono service,” contributing over 20 hours each of pro bono work in 2019. The Supreme Court of Florida presented a pin and letter of commendation to Drew Clayton, Tom Icard, Bob Lyons, Tony Manganiello, Bianca Manos, Lindsey Meshberger, Nicole Price, Stephen Rees, Jordan Riccardi, and John Waskom. Paralegals and other staff members also devoted considerable hours to the cases. Program Coordinator Attorney Nicole Price was recognized for donating an astounding 100+ hours of pro bono work. She stated, “We are all committed to the success of this program and it’s not only part of our culture, but an integral part of our firm’s values, giving back and fulfilling community needs and expectations.” In addition, some of the firm’s attorneys also volunteer as mentors to local youth through Faces of Accomplishment, Inc., and Booker High School Law Academy. Icard Merrill’s pro bono program was created in 2008 when Chief Judge Lee E. Haworth approved Icard Merrill’s “Firm Commitment to the Community,” a voluntary firm plan for services. As part of the plan, members are committed to participate in pro bono activities to the fullest extent possible and to exercise leadership to address the legal needs of the working poor in our community and assist in building a local pro bono culture.