HARRISBURG (June 4, 2007) - The Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (PBA YLD) will present its Michael K. Smith Excellence in Service Award to Charles "Chuck" Eppolito III, a lawyer with the Philadelphia firm of White and Williams L.L.P., during the PBA's Annual Meeting on June 20 in Philadelphia.

The Michael K. Smith Excellence in Service Award is named in memory of a young Philadelphia lawyer committed to providing legal services for low-income people and to offering law-related educational programs to students. The award is presented to a Pennsylvania young lawyer who, through his or her exemplary personal and professional conduct, reminds lawyers of their professional and community responsibilities.

"Chuck is a true ambassador, not only for the Pennsylvania Bar Association, but for the legal profession as a whole," said William J. Higgins Jr., 2006-07 chair-elect of the PBA YLD, in nominating Eppolito for the award. "He is active in professional associations at the national, state and local levels and is a frequent presenter on a variety of legal subjects."

Eppolito is the incoming secretary of the PBA Board of Governors. Since 2001, Eppolito has been a member of the PBA's House of Delegates. He was the 2002-03 chair of the PBA Young Lawyers Division and has been active in the PBA YLD Mock Trial Competition for Pennsylvania high school students.

Eppolito is a member of the hearing committee for the Disciplinary Board of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

He is a member of the House of Delegates for the American Bar Association and is vice chair of its Young Lawyers Division's National Conferences Team.

He also serves on the executive committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association Young Lawyers Division.

He is a former chair and vice chair of the Pennsylvania Defense Institute's Young Members Committee.

Committed to public service, Eppolito has coordinated and presented public programs across the country about the jury system and about diversity and tolerance.

Eppolito is a graduate of Villanova University and the Villanova University School of Law.

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association strives to promote justice, professional excellence and respect for the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 29,000 lawyers who are members of the association.