SNW’s newest attorney, Johnston Burkhardt, has been chosen as the Pro Bono Project’s featured artist for the 2021 Justice for All Ball.

The ball, which raises money for the Project’s civil legal aid programs, is set for Friday, September 17, 2021 at Mardi Gras World. Louisiana businessman Boysie Bollinger is the Honorary Chair. 

Johnston is the first attorney ever asked to paint ‘Lady Justice,” which is auctioned off each year at the Justice For All Ball to support the Project’s work in the community.

Scott Sternberg, the firm’s co-Managing Partner, said the firm is incredibly proud of Johnston.

“At this firm, we believe in meaningful pro bono service to better our community,” said Sternberg. “It’s an amazing twist of fate that right as we were hiring Johnston, and unbeknownst to us, the Pro Bono Project was reaching out to him to paint “Lady Justice.” We couldn’t be prouder.”

SNW was named the Pro Bono Project’s 2020 Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year. Sternberg serves on its Board of Directors.

Pro Bono Project Executive Director praised Johnston for donating his time and talents to the worthy cause.

“As our first Justice For All Ball artist who is a practicing lawyer, we are thrilled that Johnston created our 33rd Anniversary Lady Justice painting,” Kahr said. “His portrayal is particularly meaningful in a year when the legal community is standing up in support of civil legal aid and access to justice for all.”

Karr continued: “The funds we raise through the Justice For All Ball, including the auctioning off of Johnston’s Lady Justice, support our on-going work. We could not provide our services without the assistance of the law firms, solo practitioners, and many other professionals who give their time, talent and funds to The Project – firms like Sternberg, Naccari & White and lawyers like Johnston.”

Burkhardt said he was humbled to be the first practicing attorney-artist ever chosen to paint lady justice. 

“My two passions are art and law,” Burkhardt said. “I am honored and excited to be chosen to donate the lady justice painting to this year’s auction and to be able to contribute to such an important organization.” 

Follow Johnston on Instagram at @JBurkhardtart.