The State Bar of Michigan has recognized the law firm Howard & Howard for its generosity as an outstanding contributor to the Bar's Access to Justice (ATJ) Campaign. At a recent ATJ Corporate Committee Reception in Detroit, the firm was acknowledged for its 2002 $25,000 contribution to the Access to Justice Fund. Howard & Howard has contributed $300 per attorney as a pro bono annual gift, with total giving by the firm over the last four years at close to $100,000. By fully complying with Michigan's Voluntary Pro Bono Standard and donating 100 percent attorney contributions of $300 each, the firm also qualifies for the State Bar of Michigan's "Circle of Excellence."

"We are proud of our ability to give back to the communities where we live and work. The Access To Justice Fund makes it easier for us to do this by letting us give one gift that will be disbursed throughout the whole state to those who cannot afford but need legal services," said Gina M. Torielli, President and CEO of Howard & Howard.

State Bar President, Reginald M. Turner commended Ms. Torielli and her colleagues. "The exemplary firm culture that encouraged the kind of charitable support that the Howard & Howard firm has enlisted is a great demonstration of leadership. We thank them for their outstanding participation in the Access to Justice Fund," Turner said.

The firm's donations have been designated to the operations of a number of ATJ approved agencies that operate where Howard & Howard has Michigan offices, including Ann Arbor, Bloomfield Hills, Kalamazoo and Lansing. The firm has a plan that allows employees to give a percentage of their salary to a Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF). The employees then make suggestions on beneficiaries to the CRF Allocation Committee that annually decides upon the recipients for the following year. Criteria for selection dictates that the organization must be tax-exempt and the donation must "make a difference" by providing a necessary service, change a life, or enhance a community.