Firm & Attorneys Honored for Pro Bono Service to Domestic Violence Victims

Employment & Labor and Litigation Member Paul Peralta, Litigation Associates Cabell Clay and Mindy Vervais, and Conflicts Counsel Sarah Byrne received Safe Alliance’s Commitment to Justice Award for their pro bono service to domestic violence victims.  Moore & Van Allen also received a Commitment to Justice Firm Award for overall efforts.

The Commitment to Justice Awards were given in recognition of each attorney’s 2013 pro bono contributions to Moore & Van Allen’s Domestic Violence Pro Bono Project.  The Domestic Violence Project, which is led by Vervais, directly supports Safe Alliance’s Legal Representation Project by providing victims of domestic violence with legal representation.  Safe Alliance formally presented the awards at their inaugural Barrister's Ball in March.

“It is an honor to serve the needs of domestic violence victims alongside my MVA colleagues.  We are thankful for our partnership with Safe Alliance, and commend the organization for its service to those in need,” stated Vervais. 

The mission of Safe Alliance (formerly known as United Family Services) is “to provide hope and healing for people in crisis,” through programs and services such as crisis lines, shelter, hospital accompaniment, education, safety planning and legal representation.  MVA is a long-time supporter of Safe Alliance, and has provided not only legal representation, but also meals and shelter.  In 2013, the Firm furnished and donated the Sally Van Allen Bedroom, a one-bedroom apartment within Safe Alliance’s new Clyde and Ethel Dickson Domestic Violence Shelter.