Top 100 U.S. law firm Akerman LLP today announced that litigation partner Ildelfonso "Dito" Mas in Washington, D.C. has been named by the District of Columbia courts as part of its eleventh annual Capitol Pro Bono Honor Roll.
On June 3, Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby of the D.C. Court of Appeals and Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring of the D.C. Superior Court formally recognized the contributions of more than 4,500 D.C. Bar members, including Mas, who donated 50 hours or more of pro bono service during 2021.
Mas has experience litigating a variety of cases, including class actions, commercial disputes, intellectual property disputes, employment discrimination cases, police misconduct cases, and other disputes arising under federal law. Among his notable pro bono work: advocating for the repeal of New York Civil Rights Law Section 50-a to increase transparency in law enforcement; representing immigrants, including the victim of a crime seeking lawful permanent residence and an asylum seeker who fled to the United States seeking safety.
In a joint letter to the honorees, the judges wrote, "As chief judges, we are acutely aware of the severe hardships faced by low-income individuals who all too frequently must represent themselves in proceedings, often against represented parties. We are also aware of the growing need for access to pro bono services as thousands of D.C. residents confront the stresses of reduced income and new legal challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery. We salute you for using your talents and expertise to help those unable to afford an attorney, and rely on your continued dedication and compassion in the face of new challenges that threaten equal access to justice.”
The Capital Honor Roll members reflect a diverse cross-section of the D.C. legal community, representing 165 law firms and solo practices, federal government agencies, and public interest organizations. Their service would not be possible without the support of the District’s legal services community in screening and referring cases, offering trainings, and providing support and mentorship to pro bono volunteers.
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Akerman LLP is a top 100 U.S. law firm recognized among the most forward-thinking firms in the industry by Financial Times. Its more than 700 lawyers and business professionals collaborate with the world’s most successful enterprises and entrepreneurs to navigate change, seize opportunities, and help drive innovation and growth.
Akerman's pro bono program focuses on issues that directly impact the lives of people in the communities in which we live and work. With a long-standing tradition of providing pro bono legal service to those in need, Akerman lawyers have performed countless hours of volunteer work on issues as diverse as children’s rights and juvenile justice, civil rights, racial justice, veterans affairs, immigration, and domestic violence.