Qwest Communications International Inc. was recognized by the Colorado Bar Association Friday for its charitable legal work.

The annual Donald W. Hoagland Award was given to the legal department at Denver-based Qwest (NYSE: Q) for "outstanding leadership in the development, support and ongoing efforts in pro bono representation."

Qwest general counsel Rich Baer started the company's pro bono law effort in 2003, and has offered legal help to various groups including the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, The Gathering Place, Rocky Mountain Immigration and Advocacy Network and Colorado Legal Services.

"Qwest is at the forefront of Colorado corporations in providing pro bono legal work to our state's communities," said Gina Weitzenkorn, chairwoman of the Colorado Bar Association's Availability of Legal Services Committee. "The structure of their program has made it easier for members of the Qwest law department to become involved, and that's directly helped hundreds access legal services they would have otherwise missed."

"Our law department has been involved in hundreds of matters over the past three years, with participation growing each year," said Baer. "We feel honored to work with such worthy groups and such deserving clients. And, I am very proud of our lawyers and staff. Simply put, they have made a difference."

Qwest's legal department in January was given the "2005 We Can" award by The Community Action Network, a committee of the Denver Bar Association, for its community service work. And the Colorado Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel honored Qwest in February with its 2005 Pro Bono Achievement Award.