Shonterra Jordan Honored with Public Service Award

Ballard Spahr Associate Shonterra Jordan received the Philadelphia Bar Association's Large Firm Management Committee Public Service Award at last night's annual Citywide Summer Associate Reception.

The award is presented annually to just two associates at Philadelphia law firms who have been practicing law for five years or fewer. It recognizes young lawyers who have helped meet community needs through extraordinary pro bono representation or public service.

Ms. Jordan, a corporate and transactional attorney, has a deep and varied pro bono practice. She is a leader, along with two colleagues, of the Ballard Academy for Student Entrepreneurs (BASE) program, one of the firm's startup incubators. In this role, she has helped student entrepreneurs successfully launch small businesses by organizing educational programming, mentoring relationships, and other business opportunities for BASE participants.

Ms. Jordan also dedicates pro bono time to expanding access to justice for some of Philadelphia's most vulnerable families. She coordinates Ballard Spahr's monthly participation at the Philadelphia Family Court Help Center and volunteers monthly to meet one-on-one with individuals at the center. Since 2017, she has served on the board of Need in Deed, where she has shared her experience in corporate governance and tax-exempt organizations to help achieve the organization's mission of promoting service learning and mentoring in Philadelphia public schools.

"Shonterra's engagement, enthusiasm, and leadership have had a significant impact on Philadelphia," said Ballard Spahr Pro Bono Counsel Lisa B. Swaminathan. "Her work supports families in challenging situations, sustains the nonprofit and small business communities, and provides leadership to promote achievement among school-aged Philadelphians. She is most deserving of this award."