Tanya Neiman, longtime director of the Bar Association of San Francisco's pro bono program, died Monday after an eight-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was 56.
In nearly 25 years of leading the bar's Volunteer Legal Services Program, Neiman became known for many things — an indefatigable attitude, fastidious taste and commitment to diversity. But in her professional life, she was particularly known for an approach to pro bono work that provided social services alongside legal aid.
Today, what Neiman called the holistic approach is the norm. "But that was not the way it was seen years ago," said Drucilla Ramey, a former executive director at the bar who worked with Neiman for more than 15 years. "It was really Tanya Neiman who changed the entire complexion of that field."
Flags at City Hall were to fly at half-mast today in Neiman's honor, and a memorial is being planned for early May.
Truly an admirable life well spent in service to the public. Three cheers to Tanya. Details here from The Recorder via Law.com.