For several years, through a partnership with the Truancy Intervention Project (TIP), volunteer attorneys from the Jones Day Atlanta Office have represented public school students who are at risk of dropping out of school. Under the direction of Richard Deane, attorneys represent students in truancy proceedings, counsel students regarding their attendance and studies, and act as mentors to encourage students to succeed in school. Last month, Toni Russell, a high school sophomore represented by Sara Beth Myers, received TIP's highest honor - - the Hank Aaron Award for the Most Outstanding TIP Student. During the fall semester, Ms. Russell was reported to have missed 30 days of school, but since her truancy proceeding in February, she has had perfect attendance in addition to improving her grades. Ms. Russell is back on track to graduate high school and plans to attend college where she will pursue a career as a professional chef.

To learn more about the Firm's commitment to pro bono, please visit the Jones Day Pro Bono web site.