HARRISBURG (Sept. 12, 2006) � Indiana County attorney Thomas A. Kauffman has received an Everyday Leader Award from the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA).

�Since the summer of last year, Tom has served as the juvenile defender and the guardian ad litem for area children in juvenile delinquency and juvenile dependency cases,� said PBA President Kenneth J. Horoho Jr., who presented the award to Kauffman. �Tom consistently demonstrates the highest standards of professional service to children and teenagers in great need of sound legal support.�

Kauffman is active with Indiana County Big Brothers and Big Sisters and is solicitor for the Indiana Free Library. He helps organize a variety of community and professional activities for the Indiana County Bar Association and served as the 2002-04 chair of the association�s Young Lawyers Division. Kauffman is a partner in the Indiana-based law firm of Tomb, Mack and Kauffman.

�The Everyday Leader Award is given to individuals who go above and beyond, sharing their time and talent to help and support others,� said Horoho. �These unsung heroes work hard each and every day performing good works, not for personal gain or recognition, but for the right reasons�to improve the places they call home and to better Pennsylvania�s legal system. Tom Kauffman is one of these �everyday leaders� and is deserving of this award in gratitude for his contributions to Indiana County.�

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association exists to promote justice, professional excellence and respect of 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.