ALTON, Ill. – Simmons Hanly Conroy, one of the nation’s largest mass torts firms and a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, is pleased to announce that the firm has received the M. Ann Hatch Award from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid for providing exemplary pro bono services.
Simmons Hanly Conroy was formally recognized at the Land of Lincoln Legal Aid’s 50th anniversary celebration held Oct. 27, where Shareholder Perry J. Browder accepted the award on the firm’s behalf.
“We are humbled to receive the Land of Lincoln Legal Aid’s M. Ann Hatch Award,” said John Simmons, chairman of Simmons Hanly Conroy. “We are proud of our attorney and staff members’ hard work, donation of their time and ongoing dedication to ensuring that people in need in our community have access to equitable justice.”
Named after Illinois attorney and Land of Lincoln Legal Aid board member and the organization’s former president M. Ann Hatch, the M. Ann Hatch Award is given to a law firm that encourages and provides exemplary pro bono service to low-income Illinois residents or has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to the provision of civil legal aid to low-income people. Simmons Hanly Conroy was recognized for both its services and its commitment to the mission.
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, Inc. is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation that provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals and senior citizens in 65 counties in central and southern Illinois.
Simmons Hanly Conroy’s pro bono programs serve veterans, children, the homeless, domestic abuse victims, immigrants, foster children and people seeking a second chance through the expungement process.
In addition to the M. Ann Hatch Award, the firm’s pro bono efforts have been recognized by the John C. McAndrews Award from the Illinois State Bar Association in 2009 and 2020, the Bartylak Public Service Award from the Madison County Bar Association in 2012, and Pro Bono Firm of the Year award from the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee in 2016.
