A disaster center for San Diego fire victims is created and staffed 12 hours a day. A former domestic partner wins child visitation rights in a custody dispute. An 83-year-old widow gets her home back after being forced out because of mortgage troubles.

These are just a few of the outcomes that resulted from the pro bono work of this year's recipients of the State Bar President's Pro Bono Service Awards, which are presented to attorneys and law firms that have provided or enabled the direct provision of legal services to individuals or to legal aid organizations.

"The pro bono awards reflect the very best of our profession in every sector - small and solo firms, larger firms, public sector, in-house, and every other combination," said State Bar President Jeff Bleich. "Regardless of where or how these lawyers practice, they share a common commitment to doing the greatest thing a lawyer can do; they give a voice and a chance at justice to those who would otherwise go unheard."

Nine awards will be presented at next month's State Bar Annual Meeting in Monterey. The categories and recipients are:

• Distinguished Pro Bono Service - Howrey LLP, Greenberg Glusker Fields Claman & Machtinger LLP, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP and Morrison & Foerster LLP (Los Angeles)
• Corporate - Ajay A. Patel, Sony Media Software and Services, Los Angeles
• Government - Kimberly K. Shean, Ventura County Juvenile Probation Agency
• Small Law Firm - Bennett & Erdman, Los Angeles
• Medium Law Firm - Kenneth S. Klein, Foley & Lardner LLP, San Diego
• Large Law Firm - Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP (Sacramento, San Francisco and Silicon Valley offices)
• Emeritus or Limited Active Practice - Joseph A. Montoya, Sacramento
• Recently Admitted - Benjamin Kuhm, San Francisco
• Solo Practitioner - Josef M. Dion, Westlake Village

The President's Pro Bono Service Awards were established in 1983 by the State Bar Board of Governors. Nominations are reviewed by the State Bar Standing Committee on the Delivery of Legal Services, which provides recommendations to the Board of Governors.