Duane Morris partner receives 4th annual pro bono leadership award

Duane Morris LLP partner Julie S. Mebane received the fourth annual Duane Morris Pro Leadership Award, announced Nov. 6 following the annual firm meeting. The award recognizes an attorney who exemplifies the spirit of pro bono work.

Mebane practices real estate law with specific emphasis on commercial real estate purchases, sales and loans, plus commercial, industrial and office leases.

“Doing pro bono work here has been a fascinating way to bring a whole new dimension to my legal career, and my being recognized for it has been both a surprise and a pleasure,” she said.

Mebane provided longterm pro bono work for several nonprofits in San Diego nonprofits and elsewhere in Southern California. As vice chancellor, she represented the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and various mission churches pro bono in real estate transactions. Mebane also worked with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles on a real estate development. In the summer, she represented two Guatemalan boys and one4-year-old Guatemalan girl who were separated from their parents after entering the country seeking asylum. She helped reunify the children with their parents and family members in the U.S.

— Matt Sanderson