Myriam Irizarry Receives Florida Bar's Pro Bono Award
Myriam Irizarry, Chief Deputy and General Counsel to Ken Burke, Clerk of the Circuit Court for
The awards recognize pro bono service to one lawyer in each of
Pro bono service is a priority for Myriam. “I think of pro bono service as my way of giving back to the community. I felt honored and humbled to be among fellow lawyers who across the state are helping so many people gain meaningful access to the legal system. I am fortunate to work with a Clerk like Ken Burke who supports me. Ken was right there with my big family at the Supreme Court.”
In the Supreme Court’s write up of the ceremony, a Pro Bono Coordinator who regularly works with Myriam is quoted as saying “She is always there when I need her. … She is good with people from all walks of life. And she listens, understands and is empathetic.”
Because Myriam is bi-lingual, she is able to provide legal counsel to the Spanish-speaking community in
In addition, Myriam mentors law students from Stetson University College of Law and through the Clearwater Bar Association’s Student Legal Intern Program. She is President-Elect of the Clearwater Bar Association and has served as Director of the board for many years where she chairs the Diversity Committee. She is also on the Pro Bono Committee of the Sixth Judicial Circuit which covers
In private practice she handled cases involving civil, family, landlord/tenant, and more through a legal aid program. Currently, she is very involved in many organizations serving the disadvantaged.
Myriam received her Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers-Newark School of Law in
Myriam Irizarry, the Past President of our Board of Directors, was awarded the Florida Bar's Pro Bono Award for the 6th District on January 26, 2012.
Myriam is presented the award by the President of the Florida Bar Association, Scott Hawkins.
Myriam has also been elected President-elect of the Clearwater Bar Association, by acclamation for the upcoming year.