NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (May 31, 2016) – Attorney Craig Coulombe, a Branford resident, was recently presented with the Connecticut Bar Association's (CBA) The Honorable Anthony V. DeMayo Pro Bono Award at the CBA annual awards celebration, "Celebrate with the Stars." Coulombe was selected based on nominations submitted to the CBA Pro Bono Committee.

Attorney Coulombe is an attorney adviser at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR), a component of the Social Security Administration, in New Haven. Before joining ODAR, he was an associate at the Law Office of Charles Kurmay in Stratford, where he practiced criminal defense, and was a legal research law clerk for the judges of the Connecticut Superior Court in Middletown.

His passion for pro bono work began in law school, where he was a student-attorney in the landlord-tenant clinic assisting indigent tenants facing eviction. Attorney Coulombe is a member of the CBA Pro Bono Committee and had regularly provided legal assistance on behalf of Statewide Legal Services (SLS) since 2012.

By participating in SLS's "Thunderdome" Divorce Training, Attorney Coulombe represented a low income mother throughout her divorce proceeding. He also actively volunteers in the SLS Pro Bono Security Deposit Clinics, providing in-person legal assistance to low income men and women struggling to get back their security deposits. Committed to reaching low income pro bono clients who are unable to meet in-person, Attorney Coulombe also participates in SLS's Call4Law program, offering initial advice and brief legal services to low income clients faced with consumer law issues.

"His outstanding volunteerism and dedication to closing the access to justice gap is evident by his willingness to connect with low income pro bono clients via telephone and in-person," said Ashleigh M. Backman, pro bono attorney manager at SLS.

More recently, Attorney Coulombe volunteered to assist clients of the Susan B. Anthony Project with obtaining civil domestic violence restraining orders. He also served as a law enforcement specialist in the United States Air Force.

"Celebrate with the Stars" is dedicated to recognizing Connecticut's top judges, lawyers, and professionals who make a difference through their work by demonstrating allegiance, dedication, conscientious service, commitment, and mentorship.

Named in honor of the late Judge Anthony V. DeMayo (1924-2012), who tirelessly fought for fundamental fairness and championed the legal rights of the poor and accused, the award recognizes CBA members who volunteer for the Pro Bono Network. The recipients are selected based on their demonstrated dedication to the provision of legal services without expectation of payment to those in need.

About the Connecticut Bar Association: CBA is a professional association committed to the advancement of justice, the practice of law, the image of the profession, and public understanding of the law.