CANTON — Attorney Richard I. Gardner is one of 15 recipients of the state Bar Association's 2008 President's Pro Bono Service Awards.

The annual awards honor lawyers who have worked to make life fairer and better for low-income and disadvantaged residents by providing free legal service.

Mr. Gardner, an assistant St. Lawrence County public defender, was recognized for developing the first pro se divorce clinic in the county, creating a Power Point presentation to help clients fill out their divorce paper work, and helping 33 clients through the process.