Assistant City Attorney Jennifer Tengono was honored for her commitment to the legal profession and dedication to community service.
Jennifer achieved a significant milestone by being honored with the "Denise O'Donnell Day Pro Bono Award" from the Idaho State Bar. This prestigious award recognizes Jennifer's exceptional commitment to pro bono service, embodying the legacy of the late Denise O'Donnell Day—a champion of providing legal aid to underrepresented individuals in Idaho.
Denise O'Donnell Day's profound impact on pro bono service, dedication to the community, and unwavering professionalism set a high standard for members of the Idaho State Bar. Each year, attorneys across the state are acknowledged with the Denise O'Donnell Day Pro Bono Award for their outstanding dedication to pro bono work.
Jennifer, a U.S. Army veteran and 2020 graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law, brings her dedication to service into her professional life. Since joining the Idaho State Bar in October 2020, she has worked in private practice, focusing on real estate, business formation, estate planning, probate, adult guardianships, conservatorships, and municipal law. In November 2022, Jennifer took on the role of Civil Assistant City Attorney for the City of Lewiston, contributing her skills to a dedicated team of attorneys serving the community.
“We are fortunate to have Jennifer on our team. She is extremely dedicated to serving our community, which is admirable," remarked City Attorney Kayla Hermann.
The Idaho State Bar asked Jennifer two questions: Why is pro bono work important to you? And, what would you say to encourage other attorneys to do more pro bono work?
Here are Jennifer's insightful responses:
Why Pro Bono:
"Pro bono work is essential to me because I grew up in a low-income household, experiencing the challenges of living paycheck to paycheck. This background fuels my desire to utilize my skills and resources to make a positive impact in the lives of others, offering crucial assistance without financial constraints. Giving back is not a duty but a privilege, and through pro bono and volunteer work, I contribute to my community, providing support to those in need."
Encouraging Other Attorneys:
"The beauty of pro bono work lies in its adaptability to your abilities and expertise. It can be as simple as participating in a phone clinic, drafting documents, or providing legal guidance through answering questions. While undertaking complex legal cases is admirable, even dedicating a single hour can significantly impact a worthy cause. Every act of pro bono service, regardless of scale or complexity, is invaluable and greatly needed in our communities."
Beyond her legal work, Jennifer has served as the Treasurer of the Second District Bar Association since March 2020 and has been an active member of the University of Idaho's Military and Veterans Advisor Committee since September 2020. Her multifaceted contributions reflect a deep commitment to both the legal profession and community service.