US Coast Guard Awards Meritorious Public Service Recognition to Hunton & Williams for Firm’s Pro Bono Work

Hunton & Williams LLP today received the US Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award for the firm’s pro bono legal work on behalf of Coast Guard members.

Managing Partner Wally Martinez and several lawyers and paralegals who have participated in the project accepted the award on behalf of Hunton & Williams at a ceremony at the firm’s New York office. Presenting the award were Staff Judge Advocate CAPT Christopher Mooradian and Coast Guard Legal Assistance Attorney Benjamin McCarty, who are based at the First Coast Guard District Legal Office in Boston.

“While we are honored to receive this prestigious award, it truly has been our privilege to serve the Coast Guard and its families, and we look forward to continuing and expanding our partnership,” said Martinez, a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, who helped start the pro bono legal assistance program and is among the program’s most active participants. Martinez also received a Meritorious Public Service award for his personal contributions. 

Begun in 2012, the Coast Guard partnership has involved about 30 of the firm’s lawyers who have contributed nearly 1,800 volunteer hours in five states. The firm assists Coast Guard members and their families with legal issues involving real estate, estate planning, bankruptcy, immigration and other matters. Lawyers from the firm’s New York, Miami, Norfolk, Richmond, Atlanta and Washington offices have all been involved in the partnership.

The Meritorious Public Service Medal is given to recognize substantial contribution to the Coast Guard that produced tangible results and specific individual accomplishments that provide unique benefits to the public.

Hunton & Williams continues to lead the way in community service in the United States, and the firm’s tradition of pro bono service is well recognized. Since 2009, 100 percent of the firm’s full-time US lawyers have worked on pro bono projects. The firm has neighborhood offices in Richmond, Charlottesville, Va., and Atlanta dedicated to pro bono services for low-income individuals.