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On Thursday, the Troup County NAACP presented the Judge John “Jack” Ruffin Award to Atlanta-based law firm,  Hall and Lampros, LLP for its commitment to justice and social equity.

The Judge John “Jack” Ruffin Award is named in memory of the late Chief Judge Ruffin of the Georgia Court of Appeals, who made significant contributions to civil rights and social justice. Ruffin was known for his support of the NAACP, his pro bono work and his dedication to equity and justice.

Attorney Andrew Lampros was presented the award during a ceremony on Thursday at Confidence Baptist Church.

Hall and Lampros earned the award for their efforts to secure civil rights court victories in Troup County and around the state. Some of the firm’s notable achievements include securing a $4.8 million settlement agreement for the widow of Julian E. Lewis after he was tragically killed by a Georgia State Patrol trooper.

The firm also won a victory for local student, Coni’ya Williams, who was expelled after striking a teacher with a cell phone. Hall and Lampros were able to help Williams have the decision reversed.

“The law firm has also successfully represented several Troup County residents in discrimination cases, securing justice for victims and reinforcing a message of zero tolerance for racial and social inequity,” said the NAACP.

Lampros said they first got connected with Troup County when former NAACP President Mike Meredith reached out for help with a case. Soon afterwards they began coming down and meeting with people to discuss legal issues at a local community center once a month or so.

The firm would help answer people’s legal questions and if they didn’t know how to answer them, they would attempt to refer them to attorneys who could. It didn’t take long for the service to grow and eventually the firm was meeting with people on a weekly basis.

The firm currently shares an office with the NAACP at 301 W Broome Street in LaGrange and meets with people in need of legal assistance every Thursday morning.

“The Troup County NAACP is honored to celebrate Hall and Lampros, LLP for their steadfast dedication to civil rights and social justice. This award not only acknowledges the firm’s accomplishments but also underscores the ongoing struggle for equity within our community,” NAACP representatives said.