HARRISBURG (May 22, 2008) - The Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division will present its Michael K. Smith Excellence in Service Award to Traci L. Naugle, a lawyer with the Altoona firm of Hippo & Fleming. Naugle will receive the award during the state association's Annual Meeting on June 4 in Hershey, Pa.

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.

"I respect Traci's quiet leadership," said Timothy S. Burns, treasurer and a Zone 8 delegate for the Young Lawyers Division, who nominated Naugle for the award. "Traci does not seek attention or the limelight for her efforts, but her leadership and commitment to our profession is definitely noticed."

Naugle is in her second term as a Zone 8 representative to the executive council of the state association's Young Lawyers Division and is a member of the association's Law-Related Education Committee.

In addition to her efforts for the state association, Naugle is active in the Blair County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and has coordinated a number of its professional and social events. To support civics education, Naugle recently helped organize the Constitution Day event held at the Blair County Courthouse and a mock trial program for local high school students.

She also has coordinated events for a young professionals group affiliated with the Blair County Chamber of Commerce.

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.