Every year at the Access to Justice Benefit, the Philadelphia Bar Foundation presents Awards to recognize the volunteerism of leaders and innovators in the Philadelphia legal community. The award recipients have been announced and are listed below.

The awards will be presented at  the Access to Justice Benefit on Saturday, November 4 at the Mütter Museum from 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm. Registration for sponsorships or tickets to the event is available at https://www.philabarfoundation.org/events/37/register. 

Honorable Louis H. Pollak of the Champion of the Public Interest

Richard C. Glazer, Esq. was a member of the working group that transformed the idea of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project into reality. He is a founder of Cozen O’Connor, one of the 100 largest law firms in the U.S. where he served as Regional Managing Partner and Department Chair from 1972 through 2003. His history of supporting the public interest and carving a niche for the Innocence community makes his recognition with the Pollak Award beyond fitting. Learn more about Mr. Glazer and the Award. 

Philadelphia Bar Foundation Award

Ayodele “Ayo” Gansallo, Esq., is a senior staff attorney at HIAS Pennsylvania, an organization that aims to open doors for new Americans. She has devoted her career to representing victims of persecution, abuse, and discrimination seeking asylum in the United States. Ms. Gansallo was selected to receive this year’s award in recognition of her years of tireless service on behalf of some of the most vulnerable members of our population – immigrants and refugees. Learn more about Ms. Gansallo and the Award.

Pro Bono Award of the Philadelphia Bar Foundation

Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP was selected to receive the Pro Bono Award of the Philadelphia Bar Foundation for its thousands of hours of pro bono service and investment of time and dedication from its attorneys in providing direct service through legal aid agencies. Pro bono service is part of who they are and what they do, every day. Recognizing their efforts is a testament to their example of excellence in the legal community. Learn more about Drinker Biddle and the Award.