Miller Canfield Attorney Leo Goddeyne Wins Cummiskey Award for Pro Bono Service
Miller Canfield, a Michigan-based global law firm, is pleased to announce that Leo Goddeyne, an attorney in the firm’s Kalamazoo office, has won the prestigious State Bar of Michigan John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award, given annually to a member of the Michigan Bar for outstanding contributions in the pro bono arena. The announcement was made by Miller Canfield CEO Michael McGee.
“I can think of no one more deserving than Leo, whose tireless commitment to pro bono work for his nearly 40 years in the profession has inspired us all to give of ourselves,” McGee said. “Leo has been a leader of the firm’s pro bono efforts a member of the Pro Bono Committee since its inception, and during that time he has undertaken at least 75 separate pro bono matters, and recorded at least 2,000 hours of pro bono service in the past 15 years.”
He added that Goddeyne handles pro bono matters, both large and small, with passion and professionalism reflecting his profound commitment to the service of those persons and institutions who cannot adequately afford legal services.
Outside the firm, Goddeyne is a leader who has worked with the Kalamazoo Bar Association and Legal Aid of Western Michigan in organizing pro bono outreach, and facilitating the efficient delivery of services and involvement by private attorneys.
Goddeyne has focused on organizations that serve low-income communities in West Michigan and statewide, including Barrier Free Housing for Independent Living, The Community Teen Center, Friends of the Kalamazoo River, Black Arts and Cultural Center, Kalamazoo Center for Youth and Community Service, Cancer Families united, Art Serve, Home Repair Services of Kent County, Northeast Michigan Affordable Housing, Fresh Fire African Methodist Episcopal Church, and many, many others.
"We are grateful to Leo for his leadership and service to others," said Thom Linn, who chairs the firm's Pro Bono Committee. "Pro bono service not only provides the opportunity for attorneys to build professional skills and gain recognition, but also upholds the highest traditions of our profession."
During the past year, the firm and its attorneys have contributed more than $60,000 to pro bono endeavors, and have performed more than 5,000 hours of time for pro bono services.
Goddeyne will be recognized at the State Bar of Michigan Annual Meeting on Sept. 21.