Conor O'Croinin Receives Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland’s Distinguished Pro Bono Volunteer Award

The Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland (PBRC), in partnership with the Maryland State Bar Association, has named Zuckerman Spaeder partner Conor B. O'Croinin the 2023 Distinguished Pro Bono Volunteer Award recipient. The PBRC presents the award annually to an individual who has distinguished themself as an “exemplar of pro bono service, going above and beyond the average pro bono commitment either over a period of time or through extended service in a complex matter or case.” 

Mr. O’Croinin was recognized with this award following several years of dedication to his clients in a case that brought justice for tenants whose rights fell victim to a “clean streets initiative.” After winning summary judgment on liability, Mr. O'Croinin delivered a $186,000 jury award in February 2023 for two pro bono clients following a lawsuit brought in 2019 against the City of Baltimore over an ordinance that deems abandoned all personal property left at the time of an eviction. The lawsuit, which was fiercely opposed by the City, resulted in a district court finding that the tenants’ constitutional rights were violated. In response to the verdict, Baltimore’s Sheriff announced an immediate pause to the type of evictions challenged by the lawsuit, saying the City’s process is “flawed,” and “the last thing in the world that we want to see is any family additionally harmed by an unconstitutional practice.” Because the City continued enforcing the ordinance after the lawsuit was filed, many other evicted tenants may now have grounds to pursue legal action.

Mr. O'Croinin was supported by co-counsel Joe Mack of the Law Offices of Joseph S. Mack and Zuckerman Spaeder associate Ariella E. Muller.

To learn more about the firm’s Pro Bono efforts, visit: https://www.www.zuckerman.com/pro-bono.