On April 30, the Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) celebrated its top volunteers at the annual Outstanding Volunteer Celebration, with help from Chief Justice of California Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye. With around 200 guests in attendance at the Green Room at the War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye recognized awardees’ service to JDC’s Pro Bono Legal Services Program, Homeless Advocacy Project, Immigrant Legal Defense Program, and Diversity Educational Programs.

“JDC is moved that so many people step up to ensure justice in our community and to diversify the legal profession. Without that, we couldn’t do our work to advance a fair legal system. Also, we’re thankful to have many judges here to honor our volunteers and stress the importance of public service”, said Gloria Chun, Director and Managing Attorney of JDC’s Pro Bono Legal Services Program.

JDC honored the top 15 percent of its individual volunteers in 2018 and also presented five special awards.

Judge Jeffrey Ross, San Francisco Superior Court, was honored for his outstanding services to diversity educational programs. Judge Ross helped start JDC’s Law Academy program more than 20 years ago, and continues to be an enthusiastic supporter and advisor to JDC’s diversity education programs.

Keker, Van Nest & Peters received the Outstanding Law Firm in Public Service Award for exceptional pro bono support of JDC’s Immigrant Legal Defense Program.

JDC recognized Salesforce with the Outstanding Corporate Counsel Award for its legal department’s pro bono service, focused on combatting and preventing homelessness.

JDC presented Susanne Stolzenberg with the Outstanding Pro Bono Services Award for her commitment to representing low-income people in complicated family law cases.

Elizabeth Lee, a certified shorthand reporter, was honored with the Community Service Award for her long-standing support of JDC cases and pro bono attorneys.

View more photos from the event on JDC’s Facebook page.