Founders Awards
Celebrating Excellence in Legal Service and Community Commitment
The Founders Award is a cornerstone of our mission to recognize and honor the outstanding contributions of legal professionals and community leaders who strive to ensure equal access to justice for all residents of Southern Oregon. The award not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlights the collective effort to address critical social and legal issues within our community.
About the Founders Awards
Since 1972, CNPLS has been dedicated to providing high-quality legal representation to elderly and low-income residents of Jackson County. In honor of our founders and their enduring commitment to justice, the Founders Awards were established to acknowledge those who exemplify the spirit of service and advocacy that defines our work.
William V. Deatherage Pro Bono Award

Named after William V. Deatherage, a visionary attorney who founded the Legal Aid Committee in 1966, the Pro Bono Award is presented annually to a member of the Southern Oregon Bar who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to providing pro bono legal services. This award honors individuals who have made significant strides in ensuring that access to justice is a reality for all, particularly for those who are financially disadvantaged.
Meet Our Current Honoree
We are proud to highlight this year’s William V. Deatherage Pro Bono Award recipient, Daniel C. Thorndike. Dan has been a pillar of the Southern Oregon legal community, offering pro bono services to organizations like Rogue Valley Farm to School and serving on various nonprofit boards that enhance our region’s social and environmental welfare.
Read More About Dan Thorndike’s Award-Winning Service »
Save the Date: 53rd Founders Breakfast
Mark your calendars! Join us for the 53rd Founders Breakfast in Spring/Summer 2025. This annual event is a celebration of our community’s dedication to justice and an opportunity to honor the next outstanding member of our legal community.
Event Details:
- Date: Spring/Summer 2025 (Exact date to be announced)
- Location: Collier Creative Center, Medford, OR
- Highlights: Award Ceremony, Inspirational Speakers, Networking Opportunities, Dinner and Entertainment
Stay tuned for more information as we approach the event date. We look forward to seeing you there!
Nominate a Candidate
Do you know a legal professional or community leader who embodies the values of service and justice? Nominate them for the William V. Deatherage Pro Bono Award today!
How to Nominate:
- Fill Out the Nomination Form: Click Here to Nominate »
- Call Us: Speak directly with our team at 541-779-7291 for recorded application information.
Nomination Criteria:
- Demonstrated commitment to providing pro bono legal services.
- Significant contributions to the legal community and broader social justice initiatives.
- Positive impact on the lives of low-income and elderly residents in Jackson County.
Deadline for Nominations: (Insert deadline date)
Past Honorees
Our Founders Awards have recognized many outstanding individuals over the years. Celebrating their achievements inspires the next generation of legal advocates.
- 2024: Daniel C. Thorndike, General Counsel at CSC Inc.
- 2023: ??
- 2022: The Honorable G. Philip Arnold, Jackson County Circuit Court Judge
- 2021: Tracy McGovern, Pro Bono Service in Federal Re-Entry Court and Mock Trial Competition
History of the Founders Awards
The Founders Awards were inaugurated to honor William V. Deatherage and the legacy he established in legal aid. From the early days of volunteer attorneys at the Jackson County Courthouse to the formal establishment of CNPLS, these awards encapsulate our journey towards making justice accessible to all.
Key Milestones:
- 1966: Establishment of the Legal Aid Committee by William V. Deatherage and volunteer attorneys.
- 1972: Incorporation of Jackson County Legal Services, now CNPLS.
- 1987: Renaming to the Center for NonProfit Legal Services.
- 2012-2022: Annual Founders Breakfast events raising over $750,000 for CNPLS initiatives.
Support the Founders Awards
Our Founders Awards thrive thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and donors. Your support ensures that we can continue to honor those who dedicate their lives to justice and equity.
Become a Sponsor: Learn More »
Donate Today: Support CNPLS »
Together, we celebrate excellence, inspire service, and uphold the values of justice and equity for all members of our community.