State Bar of Michigan Past President John W. Cummiskey was honored with a resolution given by the State Bar's Access to Justice for All Task Force at the April 28 meeting of the Bar's Board of Commissioners. Task Force Chair Reginald M. Turner and State Bar President Alfred M. Butzbaugh presented Cummiskey with the resolution recognizing his continuing support of pro bono work and his efforts to increase access to the justice system for all the citizens of Michigan..

Cummiskey's devotion to the goal of access to justice for all has led him to be called the "Father of Pro Bono." He has also been given the title of Chair Emeritus of the State Bar's Access to Justice for All Task Force.

Cummiskey was a principal negotiator for the American Bar Association when it worked with the Office of Economic Opportunity in 1964 to craft the framework for the National Legal Services Program, which was the predecessor to the Legal Services Corporation. In 1997, he was awarded a Special Presidential Award for his lifelong commitment to access to justice.

John W. Cummiskey (left) pictured with State Bar President Alfred M. Butzbaugh, offers words of thanks after being presented with a resolution honoring his commitment to access to justice.

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