For their pro bono work, mentoring, service, and commitment to diversity and inclusion, four individuals have been recognized with Barnes & Thornburg service awards for going above and beyond in their communities.
The 2018 award recipients are:
- Regina (Gigi) S.E. Murphy, of counsel attorney in the Delaware office, was presented with the Joseph A. Maley Pro Bono Award. Murphy received the award in recognition of her dedication to pro bono clients, including the representation of a Delaware state prison inmate with significant mental health issues, as well as a classically trained ballet dancer seeking an EB-1 immigrant visa. She also is treasurer of SOAR, Inc., a nonprofit that provides counseling to sexual abuse victims regardless of their ability to pay. She currently is helping the organization obtain a small business operating line of credit. She was nominated by Chad Stover.
- Rubin Pusha III, an associate in the Indianapolis office, received the Camille B. Conway Diversity Award. Fellow lawyer Angela B. Freeman nominated Pusha for his internal and external efforts to promote the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. He has regularly participated in recruiting, training, hiring, and retention efforts relative to diverse legal talent. Pusha regularly represents the firm in on-campus law student interviews, and forming and participating on diversity panels. He also is active as a Big Brother, member of the Indianapolis Charter School Board and serves as a board member of the Indianapolis Urban League and the Indiana Association of Corporate Renewal. Pusha also serves as a firm representative for the Center for Leadership Development (CLD), Indianapolis Urban League, and the United Negro College Fund.
- Victor D. Vital, a partner in the Dallas office, received the Kenneth H. Inskeep Mentoring Award. Vital, who was nominated by Mark Bayer, serves as a mentor to partners and associates throughout the firm and is a recognized mentor to young lawyers inside and outside of the firm. He also has served as a sponsor of young lawyers, investing his time and support of them in their professional endeavors. In particular, Vital has been a mentor for students at the relatively new University of North Texas College of Law.
- The Commitment to Community Award was presented to Denise Arie, legal administrative assistant in the Indianapolis office. Nominated by Tom Pitman, Arie is deeply involved with volunteer service at several Indianapolis-area organizations, including the President Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indiana Landmarks, Indianapolis Hiking Club and Daughters of the American Revolution.
With more than 600 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from 14 offices in Atlanta, California, Chicago, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minneapolis, Ohio, Texas and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit us online at www.btlaw.com or on Twitter @BTLawNews.
