The law firm Barrett and Barrett from Dunedin in Pinellas County has been selected to receive the Law Firm Commendation award from Chief Justice Barbara Pariente of the Florida Supreme Court. The awards ceremony will be held Thursday, April 7th, at the Court.

The purpose of the Law Firm Commendation is to recognize, when appropriate, a law firm which has demonstrated a significant contribution in the delivery of legal services to individuals or groups on a pro bono basis.

The law firm of Barrett & Barrett was founded 16 years ago in Dunedin by the husband and wife team of Ted and Alicen Barrett. Since its inception, Barrett & Barrett has provided free legal assistance to those in need. The firm has long participated in general civil clinics sponsored by the Gulfcoast Legal Association. Barrett & Barrett was recently recognized by the Clearwater Bar Foundation for its continuing contributions to the pro bono programs coordinated by Gulfcoast Legal Services.

Barrett & Barrett also participate in the Clearwater Courthouse Legal Assistance Clinic, a free program that assists pro se litigants. Both attorneys have participated in a number of Clearwater Bar Association committees over the years, providing legal services. In the wake of Hurricane Charley, both attorneys signed on as volunteer lawyers with the FEMA-YLD Disaster Legal Services Program. As a certified county court mediator, Ms. Barrett and provides pro bono mediation services to those unable to afford them.

The firm also has a long standing commitment to community service. Mr. Barrett donates his time as a volunteer speaker in Pinellas County during Law Day Week, and Ms. Barrett volunteers as a speaker for The People's Law School, sponsored by the Clearwater Bar Association, which provides free seminars to the community on law related topics. The firm also mentors local college students who are interested in pursuing a career in the legal field.

The law firm of Barrett & Barrett is committed to the provision of legal services on a pro bono basis to those who cannot otherwise afford such services. It is the firm's philosophy that the rewards for doing so far outweigh the time and effort expended.

[Updated: 07-01-2005 ]