The ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service has honored Chattanooga attorney Richard Gossett for his dedication to pro bono service through participation in ABA Free Legal Answers.
The committee presents this annual recognition to individual attorneys, law firms, corporate law departments and other organizations that have provided what it deems “extraordinary” pro bono service through the virtual legal advice portal.
Gossett answered 1,355 civil legal questions on the Tennessee site of ABA Free Legal Answers in 2024. A letter to him from the committee dubbed his contribution “fantastic.”
Now in its ninth year, ABA Free Legal Answers has responded to more than 400,000 civil legal questions submitted by users to the over 15,000 pro bono attorneys from 43 jurisdictions, including a federal portal addressing veterans benefits and immigration questions.
“Your generous pro bono work has been integral to this success, and we appreciate your ongoing commitment to the program,” a letter from the committee informed Gossett.
Gossett, a banking attorney who retired after a tenured career at Baker Donelson, has a history of volunteer work in the legal field. Baker Donelson recognized Gossett with its Pro Bono Legacy Award in 2022 for his “significant contributions to the underserved community.”
In 2021, the Tennessee Bar Association honored him as the recipient of its Harris Gilbert Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year Award, which recognizes significant pro bono work by a private attorney.
The ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service exists to honor attorneys who have distinguished themselves in the profession and to administer a grant-making program. That program – Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts – has awarded grants in excess of $21 million to law-related public interest projects.