Steptoe & Johnson honored by Legal Aid of West Virginia

CHARLESTON -- Steptoe & Johnson has been named the recipient of the "2007 Law Firm Award for Outstanding Pro Bono Representation of West Virginians."

The award was presented by the Pro Bono Referral Project, a program coordinated by Legal Aid of West Virginia. The firm was recognized at the West Virginia State Bar's annual dinner on May 2.

Steptoe & Johnson attorneys and paralegals provide pro bono services to a number of nonprofit organizations and individuals. Many of the recipients of the pro bono work are victims of domestic violence and infants in abuse and neglect proceedings.

Susan S. Brewer, the firm's Managing Member-Elect, accepted the award with Susan O. Phillips, Pro Bono Director for Steptoe & Johnson.

"We are honored to receive this award recognizing our firm's efforts in pro bono projects," stated Robert M. Steptoe Jr., CEO and Managing Member. "Our attorneys and paralegals have devoted numerous hours to these clients located throughout the State, and we remain committed to broad participation in a program that responds to the pressing needs of our communities."

Short for "pro bono publico" (Latin; for the public good), the term is used to define the free legal work performed by an attorney for clients of limited means, as well as religious, charitable, and other non-profit entities.

Steptoe & Johnson is a business-focused firm with strengths in energy, labor and litigation supporting over 30 areas of practice. The firm is comprised of more than 180 lawyers resident in seven locations throughout West Virginia and Ohio. For nearly a century, Steptoe & Johnson has demonstrated its commitment to quality, devoting personal attention, experience, skill and resources to client-focused service.

For more information, visit the firm's Web site at www.steptoe-johnson.com.