Press Release
Attorney Allen Bailey Honored with Attorney General's Pro Bono Service Award
October 3, 2011
Anchorage, Alaska - Attorney General John J. Burns today presented the second annual Attorney General's Award for Pro Bono Service to attorney Allen Bailey for his dedication to providing volunteer legal representation to victims of domestic violence.
Burns presented the award at an Anchorage Museum event sponsored by Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis, proclaiming October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Alaska. Burns encouraged “all Alaskans to stand together against domestic violence in our state, offer support and understanding to survivors, take action to end the cycle of domestic violence, and Choose Respect.”
Bailey has been a member of the Alaska Bar since 1974. Burns noted that Bailey “is a passionate and committed advocate for victims of domestic violence, and this is reflected in his work as a reporter, former municipal prosecutor and family attorney.”
He has taken on countless domestic violence pro bono cases through the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse since its inception in 1980 by either personally representing a victim in a case or mentoring another attorney.
But his service goes beyond legal representation. Bailey has been vocal in demanding increased resources and legal access for victims of domestic violence.
He joined the Alaska Women’s Aid in Crisis board in 2006. He served as president-elect for the 2008-09 term and is president for the 2010-11 term.
Starting in 2007 he has been the liaison for the Family Law Section to the American Bar Association's Commission on Domestic Violence. He served on the Section's Nominating Committee, acted as the book editor on the Publications Development Board, and has written many articles on domestic violence issues.
Since 2008 Bailey has chaired the American Bar Association's Family Law Section's Custody Committee; he also currently serves on the Section's Domestic Violence Committee. In September, he was elected to the American Bar Association's Family Law Council representing Region 6, which includes Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada.
Bailey is also a strong advocate for training a new generation of lawyers in domestic violence issues. He is a frequent contributor to the national listserv for domestic violence attorneys, sharing his extensive knowledge and expertise with attorneys across the country. He has also served as an observer to Uniform Law Commission committees on domestic violence issues, and he has been a trainer and attendee at every single Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse continuing legal education program.
Burns said Allen, “is thorough, calm, and understated, yet there is no missing his passion. His contributions and impact go far beyond the life-saving work he provides to his clients. This is a long overdue award.”
The event kicked-off a month dedicated to one of Governor Parnell’s top priorities: lowering the rates of domestic violence and sexual assault in Alaska.
For further information, contact Department of Law Special Assistant, John Parsi, 269-5557.
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Department Media Contacts: Communications Director Patty Sullivan at patty.sullivan@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6368. Information Officer Sam Curtis at sam.curtis@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6269.