The State Bar of Michigan will honor Daniel V. Zemaitis with the 1999 John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award for his outstanding commitment to many pro bono issues. The Award will be presented during the Thursday, September 16 luncheon of the Bar's 64th Annual Meeting in Grand Rapids.

Zemaitis, a Grand Rapids attorney, has accepted nearly 50 pro bono referrals since 1984. He has a reputation for accepting pro bono cases, no matter how difficult or challenging. He has also accepted many cases at the "eleventh hour" and is known for his patience.

The majority of these cases have been in the family law area. Zemaitis has taken on many pro bono efforts for the Legal Aid of Western Michigan.

Currently, Zemaitis is not only a sole practitioner, but also a 59th and 62A District Court Magistrate and a visiting professor for the Grace Bible College. Despite his many roles, he has found time to donate about 150 hours to the needs of his clients.

Zemaitis' nomination was submitted by Jonathon D. Rowe, chair of the Pro Bono Involvement Committee.

Rowe said that Zemaitis' record of pro bono service, "is an excellent example for all Michigan attorney's to follow."

Zemaitis received his bachelor's and master's degree from Marquette University in Wisconsin before going on to receive his J.D. from Case Western University in Ohio.