Barnes & Thornburg Announces 2024 Service Award Winners

Barnes & Thornburg honored several attorneys and business professionals through its annual service awards for their commitment to community service, pro bono efforts, mentoring, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) activities and client service.

The 2024 awards and honorees are:

Aliya Klein , a marketing services coordinator in the firm's New York office, received this year's Commitment to Community Award. Her active role in community organizations demonstrates her dedication to building a welcoming community for all, including the Young Artists of America Alumni's Advisory Board and Mentorship Committee, League of Women Voters in the City of New York, Project New Start (Delaware), and Life Sciences Cares (Boston and Philadelphia), among others. Klein demonstrates her commitment to fostering inclusivity and openness through her continuous and valued contributions to the Barnes & Thornburg team. A patient, supportive and passionate individual, Klein is known among her colleagues as a team player and an effective leader who approaches others with empathy and understanding, always willing to lend a hand.

Mark Wallin , a partner in the Chicago office, received the Joseph A. Maley Pro Bono Award, established in memory of firm partner John R. Maley's oldest son, Joseph, who passed away in 2008. Wallin has been instrumental in expanding the strong partnership between Barnes & Thornburg and Koch Inc. in supporting non-profit organizations by providing pro bono legal services through the Stand Together Foundation. Most recently, Wallin participated in the Stand Together Initiative, a new pro bono program supported by Barnes & Thornburg, the Stand Together Foundation, the Koch Pro Bono Initiative, and the Villanova Charles Widger School of Law. Driven by his passion for giving back to the communities in which he lives and works, Wallin continues to dedicate himself to expanding the impact of these services and strengthening families and communities along the way.

Los Angeles partner Noushan Noureddiniwas named the recipient of the Kenneth H. Inskeep Mentoring Award for her selfless dedication to mentoring firm talent, especially young attorneys, in navigating the legal field and law firm culture while inspiring others to engage and contribute. She invests her time training and mentoring associates, actively engaging in their work and progress, and offering constructive feedback to help each person reach their full potential. Noureddini is a shining example of who a partner should be, and her commitment to fostering an environment of learning and support continues to positively influence firm culture and the professional journeys of many young attorneys. She is praised among her colleagues as someone who embodies the qualities of a great mentor with unwavering patience, insight, and a genuine passion for helping others succeed.

Michael A. Battle , a partner in the Washington, D.C., office, is this year's recipient of the Camille Conway Diversity Award. The award, named in honor of the late Chicago partner Camille Conway, celebrates individuals in the firm who show exceptional dedication to diversity by creating and supporting initiatives that build, sustain and strengthen a more inclusive and equitable workplace. As co-chair of the firm's BTBlack Talent Resource Group, Battle encourages Barnes & Thornburg team members to bring their authentic selves to work. He is known for his steadfast support and determination to drive positive, inclusive change within the firm, fostering personal and professional growth.

Columbus partner David Paragas received this year's Client Service Award for his commitment to outstanding client service, delivering top-tier legal counsel while exemplifying teamwork and integrity. As a trusted adviser, Paragas is respected for his ability to alleviate client concerns while translating complex information into clear insights. His dedication to his clients is widely admired, inspiring children and young adults to pursue law school or become advocates themselves. He has established a solid standard of excellence in client service that his colleagues value and strive to achieve.

With more than 800 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Atlanta, Boston, California, Chicago, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, South Florida, Texas and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit us at www.btlaw.com.