Celebrating lawyers' life-changing work with Smokeball’s Beacon Award 

We’re thrilled to announce the 2024 winners of Smokeball’s Beacon Award. These community heroes have changed lives through their commitment to pro bono work and free legal services.  

Grand Prize Winner

Mikye Miller, MJ Miller Law

Mikye has centered his legal practice around pro bono work since 2010. Recognized as Pro Bono Attorney of the Year by Nevada Legal Services in 2012 and 2023, Mikye has dedicated over 100 hours annually to pro bono and reduced-fee services. Mikye regularly has two to three pro bono cases in his case load, has taken multiple pro bono cases to trial with successful outcomes for his clients, has represented minors in guardianships, and actively supports the LGBTQIA+ community by offering free legal services for name changes. His commitment to helping those in need extends to organizing free legal clinics, volunteering monthly at "ask a lawyer" clinics, and offering legal education to the gender diverse community on the name change process and associated resources.  

To honor his work, Mikye will receive a $2,500 check, plus a $2,500 donation made in his honor to the legal aid organization of his choice.

People’s Choice Winner

Candice Iheme, Law Office of Candice E. Iheme

Active in numerous community organizations, Candice offers free consultations daily through her law firm and has dedicated hundreds of hours to pro bono work throughout her legal career. She helps people with their pro se applications and directs them to other pro bono services where they can get free representation. She also dedicates anywhere from 2-12 hours a week working for the Office of Public Defender. Her tireless dedication helps those who cannot afford attorneys receive the legal support they need, fulfilling her commitment to justice.

Continuing to recognize pro bono excellence

Alongside Mikye and Candice, we celebrate the work of our 2024 Beacon Award Finalists: Colleen Contreras, Ted Donner, Molly Hargrove, Andrea Keifer, Anthony Naro, Jerry Novak, and Scott Walker.  

We’re grateful to everyone who’s creating and inspiring positive change in their communities. If you or someone you know is doing amazing pro bono work, we’d love to hear about it for the 2025 Beacon Award.