The Lafayette Parish Bar Foundation honored local attorneys for pro bono work Wednesday morning at the Champions of Justice Breakfast at the City Club.

The LPBF gave awards to attorneys who have served the community by giving their legal expertise to those who cannot afford the services of a lawyer.

"I think it's a wonderful idea to honor these individuals who give their precious time and money to serve the indigent," said state representative Wilford Pierre. "They serve them regardless of whether they can afford an attorney, and for that, I commend these people."

The event was attended by nearly 75 local judges and attorneys and local officials, including City-Parish President Joey Durel, City Councilman Chris Williams and District Attorney Mike Harson.

"I think the rule of law isn't the issue. People must be treated equally within the law, and they can't be treated equally if they have no representation," said Marta-Ann Schnabel, president of the Louisiana Bar Association.

The attorneys, working through the Lafayette Volunteer Lawyers program, represented more than 130 people free of charge in 2006.

Another pro bono program, known as Homeless Experience Legal Protection, assisted more than 177 clients in 2006. H.E.L.P. provides legal services to the homeless in conjunction with the Acadiana Outreach Center.

Last year, Lafayette lawyers working pro bono cases helped 112 individuals obtain Title 46 protective orders.

Award winners

• The law firm of Davidson, Meaux, Sonnier & McElligott was recognized for taking the most pro bono cases in 2006 for a small firm.
  

• The law firm of John Ortego & Associates took home the award for accepting the most pro bono cases for a smaller firm.
  

• The law firm of Laborde & Neuner won the Homeless Experience Legal Protection top volunteer award by assisting the homeless in obtaining birth certificates and legal advice.
  

• Attorneys recognized for their pro bono work are Gay Babin, Chris Bailey, Shawn Benoit, Amy Brining, Marianna Broussard, Bianca Chretien, Jessica Clement, Dean Doherty, Cox Fitzgerald, Olita Magee Domingue, Elizabeth Dugal, Brad Felder, David Gooch, Charley Hutchens, Janie Jackson, Judy Kennedy, Greg Koury, Steven Ramos and Michael Wooderson.