HARRISBURG (March 20, 2008) - Pennsylvania Bar Association President Andrew F. Susko has received Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network's most prestigious recognition, the Outstanding Leadership in Support of Legal Services Award.

"Andy leads by example," said Sam Milkes, executive director of PLAN. "During his career, Andy has personally provided hundreds of hours of free legal representation to those who can't afford it. During his leadership of Pennsylvania's largest organized bar association, he is calling upon every lawyer to always be working on at least one pro bono case."

Milkes said Susko's efforts to secure additional funding for legal services are also commendable. In May, Susko will be joined by dozens of lawyers from across Pennsylvania during a lobbying day at the State Capitol. The organized bar will be calling on lawmakers to support Governor Ed Rendell's proposal to increase funding for legal services by $1 million in next year's state budget.

"I'm truly honored and appreciate greatly the personal recognition," Susko said. "However, I can only accept the award on behalf of the many dedicated and selfless individuals who, by their collective efforts, have demonstrated a deeply held and shared commitment to access to justice."

The award was presented to Susko at the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network Excellence Awards Dinner held at the Harrisburg Hilton and Towers on March 18.

PLAN's network of civil legal aid programs is committed to a civil justice system that is client-centered and provides full access to justice for the poor and others who have nowhere else to turn for legal advice and representation. PLAN strives to meet the civil legal needs of low-income individuals and families and victims of domestic violence across the commonwealth by securing their access to justice and fairness through the legal process.

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.