Tom Ryan

The Albert Vreeland Pro Bono Award is presented annually by the Alabama State Bar to an individual who demonstrates outstanding pro bono efforts through the active donation of time to the civil representation of those who cannot otherwise afford legal counsel and by encouraging greater legal representation in, and acceptance of, pro bono cases.

Tom is a MCVLP former Board member, volunteer, and an original member of the Lawyer Referral and Information Services of Madison County, the precursor to the MCVLP. He served on the MCVLP Board from 1982-2017. Since 2010, Tom has provided assistance to 136 clients and donated over 563 hours of pro bono service. He is always willing to take the case that is difficult to place and to step in when the MCVLP has needed him the most. When a call goes out for volunteers to assist with matters, Tom is always the first to respond.

As a Board member, Tom went above and beyond to help support and grow the MCVLP. In addition to providing direct service to clients, Tom was instrumental in assisting with the development of a mentorship program and a family law mediation program. He also helped with revisions to the MCVLP bylaws to make operations more efficient and effective.

Tom has served as the primary consultant to the MCVLP staff for all programs and services related to estate planning law. He is always willing to respond to questions from the MCVLP staff or other volunteers working on wills and estate planning cases.

Tom was also an original member of the Wills for Heroes Task Force and assisted in the development of templates that have been used to assist thousands of first responders in Alabama. Most recently, in 2020, while recognizing the sacrifices made by our frontline healthcare workers during the pandemic, Tom was instrumental in a new statewide project, Wills for Healthcare Workers, stemming from the need to provide assistance to front line healthcare workers during the pandemic.

Tom’s work and dedication has impacted many lives. He is a true servant leader. We are grateful for his dedication to the MCVLP, and for his willingness to help at any given moment, no matter what the circumstance.  Tom does not perform his service for the accolades or recognition but simply because he wants to do what is right and fair for all citizens in our State. The MCVLP is thrilled that Tom was recognized with this well-deserved honor from the State Bar!