Pro Bono/Public Service/D&I Archives - Page 7 of 19

Legacy

In this essay, Sidley’s Chanse Barnes connects to his family roots, writes about some of his personal struggles as a Black lawyer in modern society and reflects on how the work of those in the present day impacts future generations.

“You may be the only person that looks like you in that room, but remember that people fought and died so you could be right where you are,” Barnes writes. “Sit up straight and take pride in that. Continue the work so that more people that look like you can be sitting shoulder to shoulder in the same room.”

Pictured: Barnes’ paternal grandparents, Isaiah and Hermenes Barnes.

February 29, 2024 Chanse Barnes

What Does Black History Mean to Me? Education, Motivation and Hope

In this essay, Shackelford associate Artis G. Ulmer III explores the fundamental pillars of Black History Month through the lens of three historical anecdotes: Black cowboys of the American West, Charles Hamilton Houston and Ulmer’s own family history.

Pictured: Ulmer’s paternal grandmother, Ruth Conerly Ulmer (back) with his paternal great-grandparents, Ezra Conerly and Fannie Dillon Conerly (front).

February 29, 2024 Artis G. Ulmer III

An Opportunity to Honor Those Who Charted the Path Forward

“As we honor Black History Month, let us not only celebrate the achievements of trailblazers and visionaries but also commit ourselves to dismantling barriers and creating a more equitable future for all,” writes Imani Maatuka of Sidley Austin. In this personal essay, Matuuka reflects on the circumstances she was born into that helped her pursue the law and discusses why it’s important to pay it forward to those with less favorable circumstances.

Pictured: Maatuka as a toddler with her parents at her mother’s law school graduation.

February 29, 2024 Imani Maatuka

Three Courts, Two Eviction Actions and One 11-Hour Move: How Four V&E Associates Kept a Pro Bono Client Off the Streets

It took six months, 177 pro bono hours, $167,000 of their firm’s resources, a U-Haul and an 11-hour move for a team of four Vinson & Elkins associates to secure a favorable resolution for their 74-year-old client who was facing eviction, but they never gave up. The V&E team recently spoke with The Lawbook about what made this case unusual from typical landlord-tenant disputes, why this pro bono matter was important to them and how the many twists and turns of the case mirrored some of their billable commercial litigation work.

“It took me days to figure out what the law on this was,” said Josh Jilovec, one of the lawyers on the case. “To expect a tenant to prepare a legitimate case in defense … it’s just a tall task.”

February 27, 2024 Natalie Posgate

P.S. — Women’s Advocacy Honorees Revealed, A Discussion on Homelessness

This upcoming Tuesday, Feb. 27, St. Mary’s University will host a panel of policymakers and experts as they discuss how the community can help people experiencing homelessness. More than 3,155 people in Bexar County experienced homelessness during the 2023 point-in-time count, according to nonprofit Close to Home San Antonio.

Firms and nonprofits mentioned in this week’s column include Akin, Boeing, Carter Arnett, SBA, Figari & Davenport, Nexstar Media Group. Frazier Revitalization, Haven for Hope, Close to Home San Antonio, the DBA and Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas.

February 23, 2024 Natalie Posgate

An Attorney Lended, A Public Service Election, An Award Nomination Open

This week’s edition of P.S. features two president-elect candidates for an upcoming election for the State Bar of Texas’ public service arm, background on an associate who Weil is lending to a Dallas-area legal aid organization for two months to provide full-time pro bono legal services and nomination information for Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas upcoming Builders of Justice awards.

February 16, 2024 Natalie Posgate

A Journey of Gratitude and Friendship: An Interview with Frank Stevenson

In this Q&A with the 2023 recipient of the Dallas Bar Foundation Fellows Justinian Award, Frank Stevenson reflects on being in the “Believe-in-People Business,” invokes Friedrich Nietzsche and Mark Twain on writing well, and shares how he has dealt with career expectations and doubts.

February 14, 2024 Amanda L. Cottrell

Chris Luna Starts New Chapter at SPCA, Fetches Pro Bono Help from Jones Day

After nearly two decades at T-Mobile, prominent telecom legal executive Chris Luna has retired and returned to public service, which he had vowed to do after serving as a Dallas City Council member in the 1990s. The Lawbook recently spoke with Luna about his priorities leading the SPCA of Texas and with Jones Day partner Joe Van Asten, the new pro bono counsel Luna has retained.

February 13, 2024 Natalie Posgate

P.S. — Two Associates Join LCLD, Trivia Night, The Family Place Board Gains Lawyers

This week’s edition of P.S. features new lawyer board members of a Dallas nonprofit focused on supporting survivors of family violence, an announcement from a Dallas firm about two associates selected for diversity and inclusion-focused leadership programs with the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity and a legal aid organization’s upcoming trivia night that supports a charitable cause.

February 9, 2024 Natalie Posgate

A Pro Bono Star is Born at Katten

In the first year of her law practice, Dallas associate Grace Caputo handled a significant asylum pro bono case. Her work on this matter resulted in a favorable outcome for her client and an internal pro bono award. In this sponsored Q&A, Caputo and Katten Dallas managing partner Mark Solomon tell us more.