Kennewick attorney Bronson J. Brown received the Local Hero Award from the Washington State Bar Association.

The Benton Franklin Legal Aid Society nominated Brown for his dedicated service to low-income residents of the community.

Brown routinely helps clients who face life-changing obstacles and have nowhere else to turn, according to a news release.

He has volunteered with the society since 2004 and has served as a court facilitator in Benton and Franklin counties.

Brown is known as an exceptionally strong advocate for indigent individuals, as well as someone who has provided pro bono representation on short notice in emergency cases, the news release said.

He is with the law firm of Bell, Brown and Rio and provides representation to the cities of West Richland, Richland and Pasco, and the Kennewick, Grandview and Finley school districts.

Brown joined the Benton Franklin Legal Aid Society Board of Directors earlier this year. In addition to his work with the Legal Aid Society, he serves on the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties.

Brown is an adjunct professor at Columbia Basin College. He is fluent in Spanish.