Chuhak & Tecson principal Missy Turk Firmage receives Exceptional Young Lawyer Award for Pro Bono work

Chuhak & Tecson proudly announces that Missy Turk Firmage, principal in the Estate & Trust Administration & Litigation practice, has received the Chicago Bar Foundation 2025 Maurice Weigle Exceptional Young Lawyer Award celebrating the initiative, commitment and exceptional contributions of young lawyers to the profession, the organized bar and the community. Missy has built a successful fiduciary probate litigation and administration practice and is being recognized for her leadership and service to the bar and commitment to pro bono work. This award in part recognizes the countless hours Missy contributes every year to her pro bono cases with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (CVLS) where she serves as Guardian ad Litem for minors and adults with disabilities.

According to the Chicago Bar Foundation “Missy exemplifies the highest ideals of the legal profession. Missy’s commitment to pro bono and community service and the organized bar are not a footnote to her career — they are central to it. Her efforts reflect a deep, sustained engagement with the most vulnerable people in our community, far beyond the obligations of her professional role. Missy indeed is an exceptional lawyer and leader and an ideal recipient of this year’s Exceptional Young Lawyer Award.”

Active in the Chicago Bar Association, Missy recently served as the legislative liaison of the Mental Health and Disability Law Committee and previously chaired and vice chaired the Probate Practice Committee. As Judge Daniel B. Malone, presiding Judge of the Probate Division of Cook County, stated, “Missy has done more to further education, youth empowerment and the legal community in Chicago in eight years than many veteran attorneys accomplish in their entire career.”

Within her firm, Missy also dedicates her time to mentoring younger attorneys. Mallory Moreno, principal and leader of the firm’s Elder Law practice, said, “Throughout her career, Missy has modeled the highest ethical standards and has shown a deep respect for the role of lawyers as both advocates and public services. She is widely admired for her thoughtful approach to practice, her collaborative spirit and her consistent efforts to elevate the profession. Missy has consistently gone above and beyond her job responsibilities in her dedication to pro bono work.”

This sentiment was echoed by Ray J. Koenig III, member at Clark Hill who wrote in support, “Missy is not only an exceptional attorney; she is a leader, mentor, and advocate who embodies the mission and values of the Chicago Bar Foundation. She continually uplifts the profession through her service, leadership, and unwavering belief that legal practice can — and must — be a force for dignity and justice.”

Earlier this year, Missy was named to the CVLS Honor Roll in recognition of her commitment to pro bono work. Meg Benson, Executive Director of CVLS said, “When it comes to community service and pro bono, Missy walks the walk. What really sets Missy apart and makes her truly unique and exceptional is the compassion she brings to these cases. Her compassion for the troubled families she encounters is exceeded only by her tenacity when advocating for the best interests of her child-clients. She never shies away from a difficult or lengthy case or a challenging family dynamic. Her dedication to her work and clients have endeared her to CVLS, her colleagues in the Probate Division and to the Court. She really and truly illustrates the ideals of our profession.”

Recently, Mitch Weinstein, president of the firm, announced the appointment of Missy as the firm’s Pro Bono Publico chairperson. The chairperson will implement the firm’s pro bono publico policy, tracking among other things, the firm’s pro bono hours and opportunities to serve.

On appointing Missy, Weinstein said, “We are proud of Missy and know that she will be an extraordinary leader of our pro bono publico efforts. Missy’s accomplishments are exceptional and these recognitions are well deserved. Simply put, our firm is stronger having her a part of the team. We know there will be many more recognitions in the future for her and we are excited to see what comes next from Missy in her legal career.”

The Weigle Award reflects the devotion of father and son, Maurice W. Weigle and Maurice S. Weigle, who each exhibited a lifelong dedication to the law and the community. To be nominated, an attorney must be 36 years or younger and be a member of the Chicago Bar Association. Individuals are selected based on their contributions to furthering the ideals of the legal profession, contributions to strengthening the organized bar as an effective force for improving the legal profession and for demonstrating commitment to pro bono and community service.

The 27^th annual CBA & CBF Pro Bono & Public Service Awards luncheon was held on Friday, July 25, at the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Chuhak & Tecson heartily congratulates Missy for this outstanding and significant award.