Covington Award Ceremony Recap
June 29, 2010
Held each year in Judge Jenkins' courtroom, this ceremony honors the firms and individuals who dedicate tremendous resources toward pro bono service to low-income individuals. This year's ceremony was especially poignant in light of Judge Covington's upcoming retirement.
“Why do great people do what they do?,” Judge Jenkins asked the small crowd gathered in his courtroom during a Tuesday lunch hour in June. He went on to relay that people do great things through a series of small steps and decisions. Judge Jenkins cited Manute Bol, a physically giant basketball player who was also an ethical giant for his efforts to build schools in his native Sudan.
The crowd was gathered to pay tribute to the firms and individuals who devote significant time and resources to pro bono. Judge Suzanne Covington, in whose name and honor the award is given, was present, her last ceremony before retirement.
Judge Jenkins relayed that, similarly to Manute Bol, Judge Covington made a series of choices in her life that led her away from a more traditionally successful legal career and down the path of public service. Upon graduating from the University of Texas Law School in 1977, she was offered and turned down a position at a large, international law firm.
Instead, she found purpose and meaning through public service: working with Native Americans on a reservation and serving the indigent through Legal Aid offices in Boston and Austin. In 1984, she became a District Court judge, where she has presided over civil and family disputes and earned the respect of her peers in the legal community.
For the lawyers assembled in his courtroom, Judge Jenkins linked the achievements of these great individuals, Manute Bol and Judge Covington, to their own decisions and efforts to give time and expertise to people who need help to access the benefits of our legal system.
Inspired and motivated, the crowd moved into the hallway for refreshments and conversation. The Covington Award winners plaque will remain hanging on the third floor of the Travis County Courthouse throughout the year.
View the list of 2010 award recipients here.
Barbara Ellis, Marc Vockell Brooks Schuelke, Doug Lawrence, Stephen Mack,
and Trish McAllister Christopher Mujica Beth Cockerham
Judges Covington, Naranjo Martha Contreras and MaryEvelyn McNamara, Trish
and Jenkins Jody Scheske McAllister, Judge Covington
Stephen Mack, Beth Joe Milner and Judge Tim Sulak, Jane Webre
Cockerham Covington
