Attorney Lisa Simms was presented the Equal Access to Justice Award during the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association’s (SMBA) Law Day Celebration on May 1, 2012. The Equal Access to Justice Award was established to recognize those individuals who have made significant contributions to the mission of Legal Services of Southern Missouri (LSSM).
Lisa Simms joined LSSM’s pro bono panel in 2008. Ms. Sims has a marvelous and generous attitude concerning legal assistance to those less fortunate. She readily accepts cases and rarely declines any referral to her. She and her husband, Matt, started out in private practice together. When her husband was offered a position with a large law firm, she happily took on the Legal Services cases Matt was handling. She contacted each client, informing them of the above and giving them the opportunity to go elsewhere if they so preferred; however, every single client chose to have her continue on with their case. She truly exemplifies a dedication to pro bono cases and services to those who would otherwise have no access to justice. During the past year, Lisa handled 12 cases helping 22 adults and 18 children while investing 332 hours.
Lisa Simms, along with the other attorneys who represent LSSM clients, are really making a difference in people’s lives. LSSM is only able to serve one in five people eligible for assistance. If not for the support of the private bar, LSSM would be representing even fewer.