Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants recently presented the prestigious Adams Pro Bono Publico Award to Claudia Quintero of Springfield, a 2017 graduate of Western New England University School of Law, in recognition of her distinguished service and outstanding commitment to providing pro bono legal services to those in need. The award is named in honor of John Adams and John Quincy Adams.
Quintero was selected to receive the exceptional student award for spearheading initiatives to engage her fellow students in public interest activities, including programs to address housing and employment discrimination, and to assist lawful, legal residents in applying for permanent citizenship. Quintero was also recognized for her pro bono work on behalf of low-income families and new immigrants.
The SJC's Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services works to promote volunteer legal work in Massachusetts to help people of limited means in need of legal representation, in accordance with SJC Rule 6.1. With the American Bar Association declaring one week in October as National Pro Bono Week, Governor Charlie Baker declared the month of October, Pro Bono Month in Massachusetts to celebrate and build support for pro bono legal work. The awards ceremony is one of many activities to honor those who work hard on behalf of others.
