Alston & Bird’s Mary Benton, the firm’s Pro Bono Partner, has been honored with a 2023 Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service for Judicial District 5. For the past 23 years, the Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism has presented these awards to recognize lawyers and judges throughout Georgia who have made significant contributions to their communities.
Mary is dedicated to serving her community through pro bono work and volunteerism, committing hundreds of hours each year to the pro bono representation of individuals and nonprofit organizations, as well as serving on the boards of a number of charitable organizations. She has served as the pro bono partner at Alston & Bird since 2018, overseeing the firm’s strategic vision for pro bono and leading pro bono and community engagement efforts across all offices.
Under Mary’s leadership, Alston & Bird attorneys have the opportunity to fulfill their professional calling to provide pro bono service that fit the intersections of each individual’s passion and talent. She leads the firmwide pro bono committee, which supports and encourages pro bono participation, and advises on policies to enhance the firm’s culture of giving back.
Mary has held a number of prominent roles with community organizations over the years and currently serves on the board of directors for the National Homelessness Law Center, The United Way of Greater Atlanta, Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, Appleseed Network, and the Gateway Center.