June 16, 2010
ROCHESTER ATTORNEY PAMELA BAYER HONORED WITH NEW YORK
STATE BAR ASSOCIATION’S 2010 DENISON RAY CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES
AWARD
ALBANY – Pamela Bayer of Rochester (Family Court Bureau of the
Monroe County Public Defender’s Office) was honored with the New
York State Bar Association’s 2010 Denison Ray Civil Legal Services
Award at the Legal Assistance Partnership Conference in Albany on June
15. Sponsored by the Department of Pro Bono Affairs, the award
recognizes a legal services staff attorney who provides outstanding
criminal or civil representation to low-income clients.
Serving Monroe County’s low-income and disadvantaged community
for more than 20 years, Bayer was recognized for her demonstrated
commitment to high quality legal representation for indigent individuals
involved in Family Court litigation. For example, she played an integral
role in the defense of a young mother wrongfully accused of child abuse.
Her meticulous review of the medical evidence and diligent advocacy
prevented the mother from being convicted and losing custody of her
children.
“Pamela Bayer’s dedication to justice and deep concern
for her clients have undoubtedly saved the lives of women and children
in Monroe County. Often faced with limited resources, Pamela works
tirelessly and effectively to ensure that her clients have access to the
justice system, regardless of their economic status,” said State
Bar President Stephen P. Younger of New York (Patterson Belknap Webb
& Tyler LLP). “The State Bar is proud to honor Pamela Bayer
for her extraordinary advocacy on behalf of our State’s most
vulnerable citizens.”
Bayer was presented with a recognition award plaque, a $250 cash
prize and a free one-year membership to the New York State Bar
Association.
The Denison Ray Awards were named for Denison Ray, an advocate for
the indigent who led legal services programs in New York and other
states for more than 30 years.
The Department of Pro Bono Affairs supports pro bono activities
statewide and a variety of State Bar access to justice initiatives. The
term “pro bono,” derived from the Latin phrase pro bono
publico, meaning “for the public good,” encompasses among
other things, donated legal services to the poor and disadvantaged.
Founded in 1876, the 77,000 member New York State Bar
Association is the official statewide organization of lawyers in
New
Yorkand the largest voluntary state bar
association in the nation. The State Bar’s programs and activities
have continuous ly served the
public and improved the jus
tice system for more than 130 years.
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