The Bar Association of the City of Richmond named partner Tennille Checkovich (Business & Securities Litigation) its 2019 John C. Kenny Pro Bono Award recipient. The annual award recognizes an individual or law firm that “demonstrates dedication to furthering the delivery of pro bono services to the poor and underserved in the Richmond Metro area.”
In an announcement appearing in its November 2019 newsletter, the bar called Checkovich a “driving force” behind two significant pro bono efforts: her more than 160 hours of pro bono representation of incarcerated youth in serious-offender review hearings, and her work on the Stinnie v. Holcomb appeal challenging Virginia’s practice of suspending drivers’ licenses of individuals who cannot pay their court fees and fines.
As noted in the bar’s announcement, a lawyer nominating her said: “Ms. Checkovich, through her tireless pro bono contributions to [Legal Aid Justice Center’s] clients and mission, has demonstrated she has the work ethic, desire, and drive to be a pro bono champion.”
Accepting the award at the bar’s Nov. 14 monthly luncheon meeting, Checkovich commented on the link between pro bono service and attorney wellness, encouraging her colleagues to get more involved in pro bono work in their community and noting, “it’s a win-win for us and the clients who so deeply appreciate and need our help.”