Lawyer honoured for giving back

CNS Editor | 16/02/2018

(L-R) Award recipient Pramod Joshi (centre) with Jessica Smith (left) and Charmaine Miller of the FRC

(CNS Local Life): Civil litigation and family law attorney Pramod Joshi was recently given the 2017 Lee A. Freeman service award by the Family Resource Centre (FRC). Named in memory of an exceptional volunteer, the award is given annually in appreciation for selfless acts of time and dedication to the FRC’s Legal Befrienders Service.

Joshi served a total of 78 hours last year with the free service, which provides confidential legal advice to those in need. He was recognised at the centre’s volunteer appreciation evening, held 31 January, stated a press release.

“I am deeply humbled,” said Joshi. “New volunteers are always welcome and I encourage more lawyers to sign up to give a few hours of pro bono assistance a month.”

Described by FRC programmes coordinator Charmaine Miller as “an exemplary volunteer and a well-respected Lawyer by his peers”, the recipient almost missed the award ceremony as he was helping an unscheduled client during the Legal Befrienders operational hours. “Throughout his service, he has demonstrated passion, selflessness, and commitment in serving those in crisis,” she added.

In 2016, the Londoner, a former chairman of the UK’s Hindu Lawyers Association, joined Legal Befrienders following a brief probationary period. Joshi explained that he had been drawn to the service as he had done similar work in UK law centres in the 1990s.

The evening also acknowledged a volunteer whose role is to assist clients in the pre-screening process prior to receiving legal advice. Moesha Ramsay-Howell was the 2017 Lay Volunteer award recipient. On receiving her award, attendees were told that she had been honoured in recognition of her dependability and dedication to the service.

Other volunteers, who have also assisted throughout the years, received certificates of appreciation for their dedication and contributions to the service.

Dwayne Seymour, Minister of Health, Environment, Culture and Housing, said of Joshi’s recognition: “I am delighted to hear that the 2017 Lee A. Freeman award recipient, Mr Joshi, has been honoured for giving back to the community in such a relatable way.

“Like the Good Samaritan, he helps those in need. I hope his volunteerism with the Legal Befrienders will inspire others to sign-up for voluntary work. We have many wonderful clubs and organisations offering a wide range of voluntary work locally and I encourage everyone to give back.”

The Legal Befrienders Service is offered weekly to individuals and families requiring legal advice regarding issues that include but are not limited to domestic violence, child custody, work-related matters or immigration issues.