Al Sankin receives TEI's first pro bono award.

• Position: Chapter News

Alan Sankin of the Santa Clara Valley Chapter is the recipient of the Institute's first Pro Bono Award in May for his volunteer work with the Lawyers For One America (LFOA). A charitable organization located in San Rafael, California, LFOA provides "civil pro bono legal services to underserved communities in Northern California so that disadvantaged individuals and micro-businesses may gain economic self-sufficiency to combat community deterioration." The TEI award was established in 2008 to recognize meritorious service as a volunteer for tax- or finance-related public service activities.

TEI President Neil Traubenberg praised Mr. Sankin's commitment to social responsibility. "Since 2004, Alan has been a volunteer tax lawyer at LFOA's office. His clients range from elderly individuals who have had health issues that have drained the funds needed to pay their taxes, to recovering alcohol and drug abusers who are trying to become productive members of their community. Alan assists each of these clients with the same level of professionalism, advocacy, and respect that he provides to...