The law firm of Cozen O’Connor and member Thomas G. Wilkinson have been honored by the Friends of Farmworkers for their outstanding pro bono service. Tom was honored for his “tireless pro bono service,” including his role as lead counsel in the federal court challenge to the City of Hazleton’s immigration ordinances. The firm was honored for “its commitment to public service,” demonstrated by their substantial support of those involved in enjoining the ordinances, including firm members Linda Kaiser Conley, Thomas B. Fiddler, Elena Park, Ilan Rosenberg and Doreen Trujillo. The awards were presented at the Friends of Farmworkers 2008 Reception, held at the Moore College of Art in Philadelphia.

Friends of Farmworkers works to improve the living and working conditions of indigent farmworkers, mushroom workers, food processing workers, and workers from immigrant and migrant communities. The organization provides community education and direct legal services for its clients, handling claims such as minimum wage and wage payment problems; unsafe or unhealthy work conditions; substandard housing for groups of workers; employment or housing discrimination; retaliation for exercising legal rights; establishment of eligibility rights to public benefits; and limited representation related to immigrant status.