The Pro Bono Center for Disability and Elder Law became the official new name of the Center for Disability and Elder Law on May 4, when its annual reception was held at Baker & McKenzie, Chicago.

Founded in 1984 as the Legal Clinic for the Disabled, CDEL has grown in scope while it filled a gap in services to low-income Chicago seniors with legal problems involving assisted living, guardianships and discrimination.

According to executive director Jann Dragovich-Stulberg, the agency has e–volved as the pro bono coordinator of some 1,300 lawyers and paralegals who evaluate about 3,700 requests for help each year and maintain an active caseload of 500 matters.

Among participants recognized during the reception are William Irwin Kohn of Schiff Hardin, as Volunteer of the Year; Adrianne N. Varhula, as Outstanding Sole Practitioner, and Addison D. Braendel of Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw, with the Robert A. Michalak Visionary Award.

Katten Muchin Rosenman received a Distinguished Service Award, and Baker & McKenzie was named Law Firm of the Year. Other law firms honored are Holland & Knight, Clifford Law Offices, and Gardner, Carton & Douglas.