In this Q&A, Andre discusses with pro bono, public service & diversity writer Natalie Posgate how law firms can broaden the diversity pipeline, the importance of legal departments encouraging employees to come as they are to work, and tips for law firms on retaining minority associates.
Baker Botts’ Aaron Streett Details Recent Pro Bono Supreme Court Oral Argument
In Groff v. DeJoy, Streett represents Gerald Groff, a devout Christian and former Pennsylvania-based Postal Service mail carrier who was disciplined by USPS for skipping Sunday shifts to observe the Sabbath instead of delivering Amazon packages.
P.S. — A Fundraising Update, A New HVL Exec Director, A Donation Shoutout
This week’s P.S. column features fundraising updates on two recent events — one that took place in Austin this week and one that recently happened over the interweb — as well as information on Houston Volunteer Lawyers’ new executive director and a special thank-you to a group of Texas Lawbook Foundation donors.
P.S. — TX Appleseed Gets $, Legal Aid Kiosk Launches, ‘The Pro Bono Squad’ Explained
This week’s edition of P.S. features a Houston law firm’s six-figure award to a nonprofit dedicated to fair debt collection and responsible lending practices, May dates (and sponsor information) for the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program’s free legal clinics, the upcoming launch of one of the state’s first virtual court kiosks and an update on a Houston Bar Foundation-affiliated pro bono award previously reported on that involves a group of six first-year associates.
P.S. — Pro Bono Asylum, Women’s Advocacy and an Impromptu Nonprofit Spotlight
This week’s edition of P.S. features a follow-up on a screening event that seeks to raise awareness and funds for refugees and earthquake relief in Turkey and Syria, a spotlight of a nonprofit that advocates for the constitutional rights of Muslim Americans and two upcoming awards events that predominantly honor women lawyers who have made a mark in the legal profession and advocate for other women. Firms featured include Akin, Carrington Coleman, Sidley, Jones Day and more.
P.S. — A Gala to Support Texas Veterans, A Program to Stop Asian Hate
An upcoming gala will raise funds for low-income Texas veterans while an upcoming program will arm participants with knowledge to combat Asian hate. Natalie Posgate details both in this week’s P.S.
P.S. — A Silent Auction, A Screening Event, A Pair of Young DEI Leaders
In this week’s edition of P.S., Natalie Posgate details information on a special screening highlighting pro bono work by a large law firm with Syrian refugees that will support earthquake relief in Turkey and Syria, an upcoming silent auction benefitting a nonprofit treatment center for women in Dallas struggling with substance abuse and a Houston firm’s selection of two associates to participate in a prestigious diversity leadership development program.
Lauren Brogdon: A Crisis Manager and Survivor Helping Other Survivors
Lauren Brogdon is adept at putting out fires. At her day job in Haynes and Boone’s Houston office, Brogdon specializes in energy litigation and serves as chair of Haynes and Boone’s crisis management practice group. In her free time, she helps put out other fires ignited by the wrath of domestic violence. She works with domestic violence victims through her pro bono work with Houston Volunteer Lawyers, the Houston Area Women’s Center and AVDA.
But something many billable and pro bono clients alike may not know about Brogdon is that she is a domestic violence survivor herself. Natalie Posgate recently talked with Brogdon about her pro bono work, her own experience and how it shaped her into the lawyer she is today.
Pro Bono Opportunities Abound in Guardianship Cases
Legal guardianships in Texas pose high stakes for the families seeking them. If not obtained, parents may lose their ability to make important medical decisions and obtain critical care for their disabled children after they turn 18. One Houston lawyer, Audrey Momanaee, has devoted eight years and hundreds of pro bono hours to this work. Natalie Posgate recently talked with Momanaee, one of her clients and another expert in the field who makes the case for why more attorneys are needed to step up.
P.S. — AZA Iftar Dinner to Raise Funds for Earthquake Victims; DBA Offers Free Legal Clinics
In this week’s edition of P.S., one Houston firm prepares for a fourth-annual dinner that celebrates Muslim culture and, this year, raises funds for earthquake victims in the Middle East. Plus, details on multiple legal clinics conducted by Dallas lawyers throughout the month of April. Natalie Posgate reports.