2008-05-01 18:04:54 - HOUSTON, April 29, 2008 - United Way of Greater Houston named Lynne Liberato, partner with Haynes and Boone, LLP, as the recipient of the distinguished Robert W. Kneebone Volunteer of the Year Award. Presented at the April 28 annual meeting, the Kneebone Award is the highest honor given to a United Way volunteer for extraordinary leadership and commitment to community service.

'I have had the chance to experience up close and personal that nobody does more for Houston than the United Way. At the same time, no organization has done more for me,' said Liberato. 'I am honored to be Volunteer of the Year but even more so to be able to work with such a wonderful organization and committed people.'

Considered

among her peers as one of Houston's most respected and accomplished attorneys, Liberato's time and energy outside the courtroom is equally impressive. Liberato began her relationship with United Way of Greater Houston in 1993 when she was elected to the Board of Trustees. Throughout her 15 years of service, Liberato has been a dedicated and tireless leader who has generously donated her time, energy and vision to United Way in a number of ways, including:
• Chairman of the Board, (2005-2007); Board of Trustees and Executive Committee member (2003-2007); Chair, Board Governance and Nominations Committee (2007-2009); Chair, Community Leaders Council (2003-2005); Chair, Hurricane Katrina/Rita Task Force (2005)
• Chair, Community Goal Task Force (2007-present); Community Impact Committee (2003-2006); Chair, Allocations Task Force (1998-1999)
• Chair/Co-Chair, Law Firm Initiative (2002-2006); Member of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society and Women's Initiative (2000-present)

Liberato has championed United Way and its mission at her firm, Haynes and Boone. Through her example and advocacy, Haynes and Boone's campaign has grown to become one of the few Houston law firms represented among United Way's Top 100 Campaigns. Six years ago, as the chief architect and founding chair, Liberato was essential in building the United Way Law Firm Initiative into an extremely successful campaign. In 2007-08, the Law Firm Initiative raised more than $2.8 million and, since its inception, the Law Firm Initiative has raised more than $12 million for the community.

'We are blessed to have such a generous and committed volunteer like Lynne,' said Anna M. Babin, president and CEO, United Way of Greater Houston. 'She has dedicated her time to various facets of the United Way organization and is a perfect example of true leadership and dedication.'

In her professional and philanthropic life, Liberato has been the recipient of many awards including the 'super' lawyer awards: Top 100 Texas Super Lawyer; Top 100 Houston Super Lawyer; and Appellate Super Lawyer; 'The Outstanding Law Review Article Award' (two-time winner) for 'Summary Judgments in Texas' (2007) and for 'Reasons for Reversal in Texas Courts of Appeals,' (2004) presented by the Texas Bar Foundation; Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation and Appellate Law, Woodward/White, Inc. (2005, 2006, 2007); and Woman of the Year, United Way of Greater Houston (2004).

Lynne Liberato's community involvement is not limited to the United Way. She held several positions on the board of the Greater Houston Partnership, and currently serves on the board of the South Texas College of Law, where she earned her JD in 1980. In addition, she served as past president of the State Bar of Texas and Houston Bar Association and chaired the State Bar Appellate Section.

Liberato is married to James Flodine, and is the proud parent of two sons, Callon Nichols, a 2008 graduate of the US Navel Academy, and Benjamin Nichols, junior at the University of Texas in Austin.


About the United Way of Greater Houston
For 85 years, United Way of Greater Houston has been the leader and trusted partner in our community, improving lives, tackling key social issues, and making a lasting difference. The organization touches one of every two lives in the Bay Area, Fort Bend, Harris, Montgomery and Waller counties. Its areas of focus: developing children and youth to their full potential, creating strong families and safe neighborhoods, sustaining senior independence, and rebuilding people's lives in times of crisis. United Way of Greater Houston is the best way to make the biggest difference in our community. For information, please visit www.unitedwayhouston.org.

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