Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas (VLS) has announced the winners of its 2023 pro bono awards.
The Susan P. Burton Award is given annually to a volunteer attorney who has been licensed for five years or less and who has demonstrated exemplary pro bono service.
The winner of the 2023 Susan P. Burton Award is Kara L. O’Shaughnessy with Gray Becker PC.
O’Shaughnessy’s practice focuses on civil litigation, estate planning, real estate, probate, and wills. She received her undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin in 2001 and her JD from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 2018.
The J. Chrys Dougherty Award is given annually to a volunteer attorney for exemplary dedication and commitment to the principle of access to justice for all people regardless of income.
The winner of the 2023 J. Chrys Dougherty Award is Anthony “Tony” Blazi with Blazi Mediation.
Blazi has practiced for more than 42 years and was formerly a trial attorney, trying more than 60 cases as first-chair counsel. He is a graduate of St. Mary’s University School of Law.
The Joseph H. Hart Award honors a firm that demonstrates integrity and commitment to providing legal assistance for the less fortunate—principles that former 126th District Court Judge Joe Hart has demonstrated throughout his legal and judicial career.
The winner of the 2023 Joseph H. Hart Award is the Law Office of Jason Wright, which focuses on divorce proceedings, family law, and school law.