BOSTON – Mintz is pleased to announce that Alyssa Scruggs is the recipient of the 2023 Richard Mintz Pro Bono Award for her work with survivors of human trafficking. This esteemed accolade, presented each year by the firm’s Pro Bono Committee, recognizes one attorney who exhibits exceptional dedication to pro bono work.

Ms. Scruggs was selected for her unwavering advocacy on behalf of human trafficking survivors across Massachusetts. Over the past three years, she has taken the lead in driving human trafficking legislative initiatives, including proposed legislation aiming to partially decriminalize prostitution (for the prostituted person only) and broaden access to victim compensation. Ms. Scruggs also serves as the Co-Chair of the Boston Bar Association Human Trafficking Subcommittee.

Moreover, she played a pivotal role as part of a team that achieved a significant milestone – successfully vacating the convictions of a sex trafficking survivor. This landmark achievement marked the first application of Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 265, Sec. 59 (the "Vacatur Statute"), a law that Mintz helped to pass.

Susan Finegan, Chair of Mintz’s Pro Bono Committee said, “Alyssa's commitment surpasses merely assisting sex trafficking victims with legal complexities. She goes the extra mile in attending to their emotional challenges, understanding their probable fear and helplessness, and tackling obstacles that many survivors face. Her steadfast efforts to make an impact for all survivors, through her legislative efforts, is impressive and inspirational.”

In addition to her commendable pro bono efforts, Ms. Scruggs is actively engaged in her legal practice, which focuses on complex commercial litigation, financial services litigation, shareholder disputes, and government investigations. Her clientele hails from diverse industries, including financial services, technology, and insurance. With experience in international trade and anti-money laundering matters, Ms. Scruggs has also provided valuable assistance in crafting and implementing internal policies that help clients mitigate risk effectively.

The Richard Mintz Pro Bono Award is named in honor of Richard Mintz, the son of one of the firm’s founders, who in many ways embodied the generous spirit of Mintz and was a strong supporter of the firm’s pro bono contributions.

Pro bono service is at the heart of Mintz’s culture and identity. The firm partners with nonprofits, legal services organizations, in-house legal departments, and other law firms to provide life-changing assistance for individuals in need. To learn more about the firm’s pro bono work, please click here.

For more information about Mintz, please visit www.mintz.com.