Miami, FL On December 7, 2018, LFF Chair, Ira Leesfield was honored by Lawyers for Children America at their 19th annual John Edward Smith Child Advocacy Pro Bono Awards Luncheon with the 2018 Janet Reno Outstanding Community Partner Award. Newly elected Congresswoman Donna Shalala.
“Ira Leesfield is an attorney of the highest caliber who is committed to equal justice for children and other defenseless populations,’’ He partners with so many organizations in our community to ensure the protection of our most vulnerable citizens, following the tradition of the work of Janet Reno. In our 20th anniversary year in Miami, Lawyers for Children America is proud to present him with our 2018 Janet Reno Outstanding Community Partner Award in honor of the memory of our organization’s co-founder,’’ said Carolyn Salisbury, Director of Lawyers for Children America.
“I’m honored to get the award. Janet Reno was a longtime friend and pioneer in a lot of ways, and this organization does amazing work,” said Leesfield.
U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen took the House floor on Nov. 29 to recognize Leesfield and this award. “Ira has become well known for his work throughout the state and the United States, where he has consistently made it his mission to be a voice for the less fortunate and those in need. In the early 1990s, Ira established the Leesfield Family Foundation, which supports both local and national nonprofits, and emphasizes protecting the elderly and underprivileged women and children in our South Florida community.”
Lawyers for Children America is a non-profit child advocacy organization that provides pro bono legal representation to children who are victims of abuse, abandonment and neglect and are involved in the child welfare system. LFCA recruits, trains, and supports volunteer lawyers who serve as attorneys for dependent children and protect their legal rights. LFCA’s pro bono lawyers also mentor teen clients in foster care, representing dependent children from birth through age 18, as well as former foster youth through age 23.
Additionally, LFCA advocates for systemic reforms to improve the lives of all children and youth. LFCA’s efforts include building institutional support on the part of law firms, corporations, and voluntary bar organizations to provide pro bono legal representation to dependent children.