Richard Milstein Pro Bono Excellence Award
Richard C. Milstein has been a Partner at Akerman LLP for decades, practicing in the Probate and Estate, Guardianship Litigation and Administration areas of law. A certified mediator and seasoned litigator, he has provided thousands of hours of wills and estate planning for low-income individuals and families on a pro bono basis throughout his entire career. He is a past president of the Dade County Bar Association and has served in numerous leadership roles within the Bar and Dade Legal Aid. Mr. Milstein is a tireless advocate for pro bono service, equal justice, and vulnerable populations, and has received The Florida Bar Foundation’s Medal of Honor, the Florida Supreme Court’s Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award, and the Dade County Bar Association’s Legacy Award. In recognition of his lifetime of service, the Richard C. Milstein Award of Excellence Award was established by Dade Legal Aid/Put Something Back to honor lawyers and judges whose pro bono work embodies his values of leadership, compassion, and commitment to justice.
The 2024-2025 award was presented to U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Laurel M. Isicoff whose pro bono contributions embody the ideals of Richard Milstein’s career. In 2006, Judge Isicoff become the first female bankruptcy judge in the Southern District of Florida. In 2016, she made history again as the first female Chief Judge of the Bankruptcy Court. Prior to becoming a judge, she worked at the preeminent bankruptcy firm, Kozyak, Tropin & Throckmorton, and credits the firm for their ongoing support and mentorship. In interviews, she emphasizes the importance of professionalism, courtesy, and maintaining a strong reputation in the legal community. While in private practice, she served as President of the Bankruptcy Bar and as Pro Bono Chair of multiple committees. Both on and off the bench, she has always prioritized and advanced Put Something Back pro bono project serving as speaker, mentor, and champion. She is a true trailblazer in bankruptcy law and pro bono across the nation. Her lifelong commitment to pro bono service, mentorship, and professionalism embody the values for which this award was created.