Boston Bar Association Announces Creation of Mary K. Ryan Achievement in Pro Bono Award

Inaugural Award to be Presented at BBA Annual Meeting This Fall

The Boston Bar Association is proud to introduce the Mary K. Ryan Achievement in Pro Bono Award, in memory of the former BBA President, who passed away last month. This award will be presented for the first time at the 2024 BBA Annual Meeting this October.

“Mary’s commitment to access to justice was exemplary,” said former BBA President Deb Manus (2021-22), Chair at Nutter, where Mary served as Senior Of Counsel in the firm’s Litigation Department. “Mary set the gold standard; she didn’t just talk about pro bono — she rolled up her sleeves and did the work. While she was highly regarded for her work in environmental law, it was her steadfast dedication to providing access to justice that truly became a unifying theme of her career.”

Mary Ryan was a tireless advocate for pro bono work, championing efforts at both the local and national level. Her dedication to service earned numerous accolades, including the ABA’s John H. Pickering Award of Achievement, the BBA’s Thurgood Marshall Award, and the Dennis Maguire Pro Bono Award. With the creation of this new award in her name, we honor her continuing impact on our community and our profession.

“Our family is very grateful that the BBA has chosen to honor Mary with this most fitting award,” said Joe Ryan, Mary’s brother. “Mary would certainly appreciate the BBA’s recognition of the importance of pro bono and volunteer activity by members of the bar on behalf of those less able to access and enjoy the benefits of our legal system. We will be forever grateful that the BBA will keep Mary’s name and work alive with this award.”

The BBA will begin soliciting nominations for the inaugural Mary K. Ryan Achievement in Pro Bono Award next month; more details on how to submit a nomination will be coming soon.