LSC Honors Michigan Attorneys for Pro Bono Service

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Maria Duvuvuei 
Special Projects Manager 
(202) 295-1542 
duvuvueim@lsc.gov 
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DETROIT—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) will recognize Michigan attorneys and a law firm for their exemplary pro bono service at a reception on July 15 at Ford Field, in the Comerica Gridiron Club, 2000 Brush St., from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. ET.

Attendees at the reception will hear remarks from Dennis Archer, former Detroit mayor who also served as president of the American Bar Association.

LSC will present Pro Bono Service Awards to four attorneys and a law firm for their significant contributions to promoting access to justice through volunteer services. The recipients were nominated by one of LSC’s Michigan grantee organizations: Lakeshore Legal Aid, Legal Aid of Western Michigan, Legal Services of Eastern Michigan, Legal Services of Northern Michigan, Michigan Advocacy Program and Michigan Indian Legal Services.

The award recipients are:

• Barbara Bowman, Bodman PLC
  As a dedicated volunteer with Michigan Advocacy Program, Bowman has closed over 100 pro bono cases since 2021. Her contributions—ranging from case screening to representation at hearings—have played a vital role in helping the organization support thousands of Michigan residents seeking help with expungement.
• William Cowdry
  Cowdry serves as board chair at Legal Services of Eastern Michigan (LSEM), where he has been a committed board member for over a decade. Acting as a bridge between LSEM and the Saginaw County Bar Association, he plays an active role on the Bar’s Pro Bono Committee, working tirelessly to strengthen pro bono efforts in his community. In addition to his leadership and advocacy, he regularly mentors and consults with LSEM staff, offering invaluable support.
• Jeff Davis, Barnes & Thornburg
  A widely respected advocate for tribal rights and sovereignty, Davis has been a dedicated volunteer with Michigan Indian Legal Services (MILS) for many years. From 2019 to 2023, he served on the organization’s advisory committee, offering strategic guidance, reviewing key materials and providing thoughtful consultation to help advance its mission. Davis also has provided assistance and advice on family law cases when MILS helps surviving family members of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People navigate and resolve legal issues related to the loss of their loved ones.
• Thomas Linn, Miller Canfield PLC
  As co-chair of Miller Canfield PLC’s Pro Bono Committee, Linn spearheaded initiatives to expand the firm’s pro bono impact, creating a summer associate program focused on meaningful service, building partnerships with community organizations and encouraging firm-wide engagement. He remains a strong advocate for pro bono work at Miller Canfield and personally contributes over 200 hours of pro bono service each year. Linn also serves as president of Lakeshore Legal Aid’s Board of Directors.
• Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
  Warner Norcross + Judd has partnered with Legal Aid of Western Michigan (LAWM) for decades to support casework involving expungement, real estate, family law and domestic violence. Since January 2023, the firm has closed 23% of LAWM’s total pro bono cases—117 in all—demonstrating a deep commitment to expanding access to justice for all Michiganders.

Photos of awardees will be available after the event; to request a photo email duvuvueim@lsc.gov.