The Pennsylvania Bar Association Legal Services to the Public Committee honored Deborah S. Freeman, court administrator, Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas, with the Jeffrey A. Ernico Award on October 1, 2014, during the Dauphin County Bar Association Fall Membership Meeting at the Civic Club of Harrisburg.

The award celebrates the pro bono accomplishments of Harrisburg attorney Jeffrey A. Ernico and his longstanding commitment to equal justice and serving those who have nowhere else to turn for legal services. It is an occasional award of the PBA Legal Services to the Public Committee, given to such individuals and groups providing unique services that has resulted in significant improvements in the provision of legal services to the neediest Pennsylvanians.

The award was presented by Jeffrey A. Ernico and Lisa Benzie, chair, PBA House of Delegates. Also present for the presentation were David K. Trevaskis, PBA Pro Bono Coordinator; Sandra Ballard, Dauphin County Pro Bono Coordinator; and Rhodia Thomas, Executive Director of MidPenn Legal Services.

Freeman is the seventh recipient of the Ernico Award since it was created in 2006. Her award reads: "A champion of access to justice, Deborah S. Freeman has been dedicated to public service throughout her career. Her leadership in opening the courts of Dauphin County to those in need is a model for the Commonwealth to follow."