Tippecanoe Superior Judge Gregory J. Donat is the 2010 recipient of the American Judicature Society’s Kathleen M. Sampson Access to Justice Award. Judge Donat has worked to improve access to justice for everyone.

Monica Fennell, executive director of the Indiana Pro Bono Commission, nominated the judge because of his work to make sure that pro bono and pro se efforts are integrated and that everyone works together to provide better legal help for the poor. She said he also ensures that victims’ rights and pro se litigant issues aren’t overlooked when he is involved.

Judge Donat has worked not only in Indiana to improve access to justice but also has led and contributed to national projects through specialized courts such as domestic violence and drug courts.

The Kathleen M. Sampson Access to Justice Award is named after the longtime AJS Senior Program Associate and pioneer in the field of improving court services for pro se litigants. The award is given to people or organizations that make extraordinary contributions to ensure access to justice for everyone.

Judge Donat is on Superior Court 4, which handles landlord/tenant cases, small claims, misdemeanor and Class D felony drug cases, and the Therapeutic Drug Court. He will receive the award at the statewide Indiana judicial conference later this month.