The Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) celebrated the top 15 percent of its volunteers, and specially recognized four individuals and a law firm, at its Annual Outstanding Volunteer Appreciation Celebration in April.

With more than 200 people in attendance at UC Hastings, guest of honor California Supreme Court Associate Justice Carol Corrigan greeted awardees who volunteered with JDC’s legal services programs and its diversity educational programs. Justice Corrigan thanked attendees “on behalf of those who have struggles with immigration or housing, who find themselves in family court, or are burdened by debt, or who really just need a second chance to move beyond a bad mistake. For those young people who have never learned to see the law as anything other than a threat or a hassle, who could never envision themselves having one of these jobs that we are privileged to hold. And yet, who get a chance to see over the horizon to a future they might not ever otherwise imagine because of the educational programs you make possible.”

JDC presented the Outstanding Law Firm in Public Service Award to Coblentz, Patch, Duffy & Bass. Christopher Emley and Don Emley received the James D. Preovolos Award for outstanding pro bono service in Family Law. JDC gave the Housing Justice Award to Rudy Balderama of the Balderama Law Firm. Noemi Gonzalez received the Community Service Award.

JDC acknowledges the following law firms and corporations who sponsored the celebration: Farella Braun + Martel; Hewlett-Packard Company; Jones Day; Morgan, Lewis & Bockius; Morrison & Foerster, and Ropes & Gray.

JDC also thanks in-kind donors: Enhanced Lighting + Audiovisual; JK Estates Wine; Kimberly Hathaway, Hathaway PR; Knight’s Catering; Lagunitas Brewing Company; and Sorpresa Vineyard (The Alson and Martha Kemp Family).