HARRISBURG (Oct. 26, 2006) � Montgomery County attorneys Wendy Demchick-Alloy and Mary C. Pugh have received Everyday Leader Awards from the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA).

Demchick-Alloy is the founder and Pugh is the administrative director of the Montgomery County Advocacy Project (MCAP), a nonprofit organization providing free legal representation and social services to children who are victims of abuse and neglect. More than 100 attorneys volunteer to provide legal services as part of the organization�s efforts.

�Wendy and Mary are making lasting contributions to Montgomery County�s most vulnerable citizens � children,� said PBA President Kenneth J. Horoho Jr., who presented the awards to Demchick-Alloy and Pugh during a meeting of the Montgomery County Bar Association. �Because of Wendy and Mary�s efforts and those of their volunteers, powerless victims are offered guidance and support as they confront the unfamiliar legal system.�

Demchick-Alloy�s work has been recognized with awards from the Citizens Crime Commission of the Delaware Valley, the Support Center for Child Advocacy, the United States Department of Justice, the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University and the Montgomery Bar Foundation. In addition, she has received honors and commendations from numerous county and local police agencies. She currently serves as vice chair of the Children�s Right Committee of the Montgomery County Bar Association. Prior to founding MCAP, Demchick-Alloy served as an assistant district attorney.

Pugh joined MCAP in early 2006. From 1989 to 2005, Pugh was with the firm of Kane, Pugh Knoell, Troy & Kramer L.L.P., Norristown. From 1986 to 1989, she was with the firm of LaBrum and Doak, Philadelphia. Pugh is an active member of the Montgomery County Bar Association, and she has authored publications for the Pennsylvania Defense Institute magazine.

�The Everyday Leader Awards are given to individuals who go above and beyond, sharing their time and talent to help and support others,� said Horoho. �These community and professional 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. Mary and Wendy are two of these �everyday leaders� and deserve these awards for their contributions to Montgomery 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.