May 11, 2011
Each year, the New York State Bar Association presents its
President’s Pro Bono Service Awards to honor lawyers, law firms
and law students who provide free legal services to the poor. This
year, the law student award went to Maria Martinez ’11 for her work
as co-chair of the St. John’s
Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA) Street Law en
Espanol Community Outreach Program. Launched in 2005 based on an
earlier St. John’s Law initiative, the program provides
Spanish-language “Know Your Rights” workshops for Latino parishes,
public library branches and community-based organizations in
Queens. “The competition in this category was very fierce, but the
committee was unanimous that Maria stood head and shoulders above
the competition,” said Gloria Herron Arthur, Director of Pro Bono
Affairs for the New York State Bar Association.
At the May 2, 2011 awards ceremony attended by members of the bench
and bar, State Bar President Stephen P. Younger noted: “As lawyers
we have a duty and responsibility to better our communities and
help our neighbors. The recipients of our President’s Pro Bono
Service Awards have answered the call with genuine concern,
dedication and generosity. The State Bar is thrilled to recognize
the work of this year’s honorees.” To Maria Martinez he added,
“Muchas gracias por servico magnifico.”
Accepting the award, Maria said: “Pro bono is the embodiment of St.
John’s Vincentian mission to help the less fortunate while striving
for excellence and humility. It is inspiring to be surrounded by a
remarkable group of mentors and peers who dedicate themselves to
helping others despite their busy schedules. Unity is at the core
of the Street Law en Español Program. I am confident that with the
ongoing leadership, dedication and hard work of students and
mentoring attorneys, the program will continue to be a thriving
success and reach those who need us the most.“
“Maria is a wonderful and dedicated advocate who is an example of
what all students should strive for ― giving back to their
communities with love, dedication and fervor,” said Sandra Munoz, a
program mentor and the President of the Latino Lawyers Association
of Queens County. Ms. Munoz nominated Maria for the award, along
with fellow program mentor and St. John’s LALSA President Joel
Acevedo ’11. Public Interest Center Director
Rachel D. Andron, who was with Maria when she accepted the
award in Albany, added: “I am thrilled that the State Bar
recognized Maria’s hard work. LALSA’s Street Law en Espanol program
and Maria’s selfless dedication to her community epitomize the
spirit of pro bono work that we are committed to at St. John’s Law
School.”