THE PULSE OF PRO BONO AT NELSON MULLINS
SUMMER EDITION | JULY 2025
GEORGIA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS TEAM HELPS PASS HISTORIC COMPENSATION LAW FOR THE WRONGFULLY CONVICTED
Through pro bono efforts, the firm’s Georgia Government Relations Team—Helen Sloat, Stan Jones, George Ray, and Ross Sheppard—played a pivotal role in the passage of a new law establishing a formal financial compensation process for individuals who were wrongfully convicted.
Signed by Governor Brian Kemp on May 14, the Wrongful Conviction and Incarceration Compensation Act marks a long-overdue milestone for the state. Until now, individuals exonerated after wrongful convictions had to rely on a state legislator to sponsor a separate compensation bill on their behalf—legislation that then had to pass through the entire legislative process. This left many with no financial support or resources to rebuild their lives.
“Before this law, after you got out of prison in Georgia, you were just let back out into the world -- and no one would hand you so much as a bus ticket,” Sloat said. “This was a years-long effort to get individuals compensated for their time wrongly incarcerated.”
The new law provides compensation of $75,000 for each year wrongly served behind bars, and an additional $25,000 for time served on death row.
The Nelson Mullins team collaborated with the Georgia Innocence Project (GIP) and other law firms to push the legislation forward. State Representatives Katie Dempsey, R-Rome and Scott Holcomb, D-Atlanta, co-sponsored the bill and were passionate about pursuing justice for these exonerees.
“They worked really hard together to try and make this happen,” Sloat said of the lawmakers. “We also worked with Representative Chuck Efstration (R-Dacula) on the first draft of the legislation back in 2021 before he became majority leader. What helped was that some of these lawmakers had individuals in their area that had been wrongfully convicted and then found innocent; it was that personal standpoint that pushed things along.” This was especially true for Representative Dempsey who had two men in her district who experienced wrongful incarcerations and consequently lost their youth and young adulthoods.
According to the GIP, there have been 52 known cases of wrongful incarceration since 1989.
The bill took nearly four years to pass through the legislature. Although it garnered bipartisan support in the Georgia House, it
repeatedly stalled in the Senate. To overcome this challenge, the team devised creative strategies to help advance the legislation to the governor’s desk. The new law took effect July 1 of this year.
“House leaders supported this effort for years, but we had to get creative to achieve passage by the Senate,” Ray explained. “The key to success this year was attaching the Compensation Act to a Senate bill pending in the House that was a priority for Senate leaders. That nontraditional approach was ultimately how we got it across the line.”
IN
THIS EDITION
Firm Honored for Disability Rights Advocacy in Boston — Page 3
West Virginia Office Wins Statewide Pro Bono Service Award — Page 7
Real Estate Team Helps Women’s Miami -Dade Nonprofit Secure Lifesaving Space for Survivors — Page 8
Houston Team’s Regulatory Advocacy Preserves Healthcare Access for Houston’s Homeless — Page 10
Pictured: Atlanta Partner George Ray, Policy Director Helen Sloat, Senior Partner Stan Jones, and former Policy Advisor Ross Sheppard at the Georgia State House
CELEBRATING A LANDMARK
VICTORY FOR JUSTICE
ASSOCIATES CELEBRATE CHARLESTON LEGAL ACCESS AT NINTH ANNIVERSARY EVENT
Nelson Mullins recently hosted a celebration in Atlanta honoring the passage of Georgia’s Wrongful Conviction and Incarceration Compensation Act—a powerful step forward for justice and dignity. The event recognized the collaborative, years-long pro bono effort led by our Georgia Government Relations team in strategic partnership with our valued partner, the Georgia Innocence Project, to create a fair, standardized path to compensation for exonerees.
The evening brought together advocates, lawmakers, and community leaders to reflect on the impact of this new law, which ensures that Georgians wrongfully convicted of crimes are no longer left without support to rebuild their lives.
Charleston associates Sydney Hamer, Ashley Hawkins, and Benjamin Brams attended Charleston Legal Access’ Ninth Anniversary Celebration in May. The fundraiser took place atop downtown Charleston’s tallest structure, The View at Morrison Yard, with stunning views of the Ravenel Bridge and the Peninsula.
The event celebrates CLA’s service to the community and raises funds to support their mission of expanding access to justice for low to moderate income individuals in South Carolina.
NELSON MULLINS ATTORNEYS PARTNER WITH NORTH CAROLINA PRO BONO RESOURCE CENTER FOR DRIVER’S
LICENSE RESTORATION CLINIC
Nelson Mullins attorneys and team members from our Charlotte, Raleigh, and Columbia offices recently lent their legal skills at a Driver’s License Restoration Clinic in partnership with the North Carolina Pro Bono Resource Center.
In North Carolina, nearly 1 million people have suspended driver’s licenses, often for reasons like unpaid fees or missed court dates. These suspensions disproportionately impact low-income communities, limiting access to jobs, education, and healthcare.
To help address this issue, 29 volunteers reviewed driving records and prepared 106 individualized advice letters to guide people through the process of understanding and resolving their suspensions.
Huge thanks to this dedicated team for promoting access to justice by helping North Carolinians restore their licenses.
Pictured: Atlanta Pro Bono Consultant Steve Gottlieb, Pro Bono Partner Elisa Kodish, Senior Partner Stan Jones, Policy Director Helen Sloat; Executive Director of Georgia Innocence Project Kristin Verrill and Partner George Ray
Pictured: Nelson Mullins Attorneys: Jonathan Alef, Knicole Emanuel, Matt Gorga, Brett Hanna, Aaron Harding, Julia Hartley, Caroline Hine, Morgan Hoyt, Laura Huff, Eliana Hughes, Susan Jackson, Robert Josey, Hannah Kays, Jacquelyn Knudson, Spencer Lewis, Ellie Martin, Matthew Nestor, Brandon Neuman, Pratik Parikh, Nate Pencook, Greenlee Rigby, Kathryn Simons, Jack Slosson, Elly Slugg, Jay Suhr, George Teague, Jonathan Todd, Martin Warf, and Jennifer Winkler
Pictured: Charleston Associates Sydney Hamer, Ashley Hawkins, and Benjamin Brams; Firm-wide Pro Bono Coordinator Emily Guerrero
GEORGIA JUSTICE PROJECT HONORS STAN JONES AS COMMUNITY PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Nelson Mullins is proud to announce that Atlanta partner Stan Jones was named the Community Partner of the Year by the Georgia Justice Project (GJP) at its annual Grass Roots Justice Awards on May 1. The Georgia Justice Project is a statewide, pro bono legal services program that represents residents on a range of legal issues, including criminal defense, reentry representation, and early termination of probation.
For over a decade, Jones and the firm’s Georgia-based Government Relations team have collaborated closely with GJP to advance meaningful criminal justice police reform across the state. Their efforts have focused on decreasing the number of
Georgians involved in the criminal justice system and removing obstacles that hinder individuals with criminal records from successfully reintegrating into society.
“Stan has a thorough understanding of Georgia’s justice system,” said policy advisor Helen Sloat, who serves as the firm’s Director of Georgia State Policy and Government Relations. “He has a keen eye for the way it works for people who are marginalized, and how the system could work better.”
Among the team’s most recent accomplishments is their instrumental advocacy for the Survivor Justice Act—a landmark law, signed on May 12 of this year, that protects domestic violence survivors from serving lengthy prison sentences. They also played a key role in the passage of the 2015 “Ban the Box” executive order, which removed questions about criminal history from the initial application for state employment.
“Stan is always thinking and always listening, and those qualities have rubbed off on me,” Atlanta partner George Ray said. “He’s thoughtful and curious, always interested in the story behind things and a true policy wonk. He’s been a great mentor throughout my career.”
In 2023, Jones received the firm’s George B. Cauthen Lifetime Pro Bono Service Award, which honors individuals who demonstrate a lifelong commitment to community-focused pro bono service. Throughout his 30-year tenure at Nelson Mullins, Jones has contributed more than 5,000 hours to pro bono work, concentrating on driving legislative reform efforts aimed at strengthening communities across Georgia.
NELSON MULLINS VOLUNTEERS AT WILL CLINIC WITH JOHN BELTON O’NEALL AMERICAN INN OF COURT
Held in Columbia, S.C., volunteers drafted simple wills for Habitat for Humanity homeowners, helping preserve their investment in homeownership and providing peace of mind for the future.
Thank you to our attorneys, staff, and Inn of Court volunteers who dedicated their time and knowledge to make this event a success. The American Inns of Court is an association of lawyers and judges who share a passion for promoting mentoring and the highest levels of professionalism in the practice of law.
Pictured: Atlanta Senior Partner Stan Jones
Pictured: Pro Bono Coordinator Emily Guerrero, Honorable Sherry Lydon, Firm Managing Partner Jim Lehman
On May 6, Nelson Mullins supported and coordinated the Wills for Habitat Clinic alongside the John Belton O’Neall American Inn of Court.
NELSON MULLINS HONORED WITH PRO BONO
LEADERSHIP AWARD BY DISABILITY LAW CENTER OF MASSACHUSETTS FOR ADVANCING DISABILITY RIGHTS
(DLC) of Massachusetts Pro Bono Leadership Award at DLC’s annual fundraiser on May 15 in Boston, MA.
This award recognizes the firm’s years of collaboration with DLC advancing disability rights, including our work challenging the use of solitary confinement in the Massachusetts correctional system for individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities. Led by Jim Rollins, this multi-year advocacy effort helped compel the Commonwealth — and eventually other states — to provide appropriate treatment and placement for incarcerated individuals with mental health needs.
The award also recognizes our work on the DLC’s Voting Rights and Accessibility Survey Project. This initiative supports equal access to voting at polling sites for individuals with disabilities.
A special acknowledgment goes to Jim Rollins, who accepted the award on the firm’s behalf and whose longstanding commitment to the DLC has strengthened our partnership over the years. His leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in furthering their mission to ensure equal rights and protection for people with disabilities. In his remarks accepting the award, he spoke about Nelson Mullins’ commitment and culture to serving others.
We are grateful for this recognition and proud to stand with the DLC.
A MOVING TRIBUTE FROM PETER HALEY
My Nelson Mullins colleagues Tom Hayman, Greg May, John Veysey, Daniel Millard, Nick Viscariello, Jim Rollins, and I attended the Disability Law Center event last night at which the firm was recognized with an award for its work on behalf of DLC and its clients.
The award to the firm arises out of the work of Jim Rollins over the past 18 years on behalf of DLC clients and causes, most notably his work in the Massachusetts correctional system and his successful years long effort to compel the Commonwealth, and now other states, to provide appropriate treatment and placement to inmates suffering from mental health issues, as well as, among other efforts, firm-wide efforts to provide equal access to voting places.
In accepting the award on behalf of the firm, Jim spoke about the work the firm has undertaken across its offices to help others and its commitment to pro bono causes.
The evening involved the recognition of a number of people who spend their days – and in some cases have spent their careers – attending to the day-to-day unglamorous effort to help others by advocating for resources and legal relief for others.
There is in the Jewish religion the concept of the Lamed Vavniks – 36 unknown righteous people whose role in life is to justify the purpose of humanity in the eyes of God. Characterized by their humility and unknown to each other or anyone else, they exist to keep the whole world going.
Listening to the speakers and honorees last night left you with the impression that you were among the righteous ones. People working for, among other things, to make sure that other people’s wheelchairs work and get serviced.
There is no real public recognition for this work, no financial or other material reward, much of it lacks intellectual challenge or other self-evident internal or external rewards, but if called to account for ourselves, surely this work would be the testimony the legal profession would offer to justify its existence, the day-to-day unending commitment to serve others.
It was humbling stuff and a reminder that Jim Rollins walks among us every day providing first rate legal work at the highest levels of the profession and at the same time living out a commitment to serve others that reflects well on all of us.
Thanks, Jim, for your service and your discipleship.
Nelson Mullins received the Disability Law Center’s
Haley
Pictured: Boston Senior Partner Jim Rollins
HOUSTON’S
FARZANEH AND LOWY SECURE KEY TAX EXEMPTION FOR ARTS ORGANIZATION
Houston partners Nima Farzaneh and Pete Lowy provided impactful pro bono support to the Art League of Houston, successfully securing a property tax exemption for its headquarters through a strategically crafted appeal.
Founded in 1948, the Art League is one of the city’s oldest non-profit art organizations. It sponsors workshops, galleries, and exhibitions of modern art throughout downtown Houston.
The tax case centered around the building the League owns, which subleases space for a coffee house that doubles as a community area and co-hosts arts events. When it came time to renew their five-year property tax exemption in 2024, Harris County’s Central Appraisal District (HCAD) denied their request, not just for the coffee house space, but for their entire building.
“We never quite found out why they denied it initially,” Farzaneh said. “We looked at it and thought it was a really aggressive reading of the statute.”
With the building valued at approximately $5 million, the organization faced the prospect of $90,000 in new property taxes. Given its annual operating budget of around $1 million, covering those additional costs could have triggered an urgent need for increased fundraising.
Around the time he joined the firm in April 2024, Farzaneh was serving as president of Art League’s board of directors and maintained a strong relationship with the League’s executive director, who asked for guidance. Seeking additional expertise on property tax matters, Farzaneh enlisted Lowy to assist in drafting the appeal.
“Pete knows a lot of the folks at HCAD, and we decided the best route forward was to show how closely the coffee shop works with the nonprofit side of the Art League,” Farzaneh added. “They show art in the shop space and co-host events. Every time the Art League has an exhibition, they have catalogs in the store. They focus on making sure the different coffee companies are real partners and support Art League’s mission.”
After reviewing the appeal, HCAD agreed with the arguments presented, resolving the issue before it reached the district’s appeals group. This outcome was a huge relief for the Art League, which has occupied the building for more than 15 years.
“It’s a nonprofit, and they’re big into initiatives that require additional capital,” Farzaneh said. “Any major hit, like this one for almost $90,000, is just not something that’s in their budget. It was a really big deal for them to get that exemption. I thought we had a good case, but it’s always 50/50 with the tax authorities. This was a really good win and definitely made an impact on the community here in Houston.”
CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF PRO BONO SERVICE ON LAW DAY
On Law Day, which was held on May 1, Nelson Mullins proudly reaffirmed our century-long commitment to advancing access to justice and marked a meaningful milestone: 35 years of pro bono service through our formal program.
Over the decades, our attorneys have dedicated thousands of hours to serving individuals and organizations facing steep legal barriers. From advocating for the wrongfully convicted, to supporting veterans and families in need, to helping nonprofits expand economic opportunity, we’ve strived to use the law as a force for good in the communities we serve.
Throughout this anniversary year, we look forward to celebrating the people, partners, and impactful matters that have shaped our legacy, and continue to inspire our commitment to justice.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this important work. On Law Day and every day, we are proud to stand for equal access to justice and the enduring values of the rule of law.
Farzaneh Lowy
COLUMBIA PARTNER JOE FORNADEL PRO BONO
Describe a compelling pro bono matter in which you were or are currently involved.
The most compelling pro bono matter in which I was involved was a prisoner rights action that resulted in a five-day bench trial in federal court. Our client had a chronic medical condition for which he received inadequate care and treatment over a span of many years. While we were ultimately not successful in obtaining a favorable judgment from the trial court, the appellate court overturned part of the trial court’s ruling regarding some of the accommodations that were not provided to our client.
As with any trial, there was certainly a lot of work that went into working up the case and presenting the relevant evidence at trial, but I found the experience to be very energizing and rewarding.
Why do you think it’s important for the legal profession and our firm to champion pro bono?
Particularly for litigators, pro bono is so important because the legal process can be challenging and opaque to most people. With our training and knowledge, we have the ability to guide individuals in need through an otherwise inaccessible maze of procedures and filings. This improves our communities and our courts.
What advice would you give to someone who is new to pro bono work or considering getting more involved?
My advice would be simply to put your hand up. Nelson Mullins has no shortage of attorneys who would be willing to assist and mentor a younger attorney as they navigate a new project. That is one part of the firm’s culture that I have truly enjoyed. The internal structure at the firm is such that not only is pro bono work a priority, but there are also individuals who can and will help you find opportunities that match your interests.
CARL FUMAROLA ATTENDS CONCERNS OF POLICE SURVIVORS. CHARITY GALA WITH THE WOUNDED BLUE FOUNDATION AND HONORARY OFFICER
Nelson Mullins partner Carl Fumarola attended the Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) Charity Gala in Washington, D.C. on May 14, 2025, which benefits the surviving spouses and children of law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Fumarola attended the event as a guest of firm pro bono client
The Wounded Blue Foundation, along with guests DJ Daniel and his father, Theodis. DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old battling a rare form of terminal brain and spinal cancer, was put into the national spotlight during President Donald Trump’s 2025 address to a joint session of Congress, where he was sworn in as an honorary Secret Service agent, fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. Since then, the young boy has been named an honorary officer by more than 1,000 law enforcement agencies across the country.
The Wounded Blue Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides support and resources to police officers who are seriously injured in the line of duty.
Pictured: Randy Sutton (Founder and CEO of the Wounded Blue Foundation), Boston Partner Carl Fumarola, and Event Guests DJ Daniel, and Theodis Daniel
NELSON MULLINS’ WEST VIRGINIA OFFICE WINS STATEWIDE PRO BONO SERVICE AWARD
The firm’s West Virginia office has received the 2024 Distinguished Pro Bono Service Award from the West Virginia State Bar and Legal Aid of West Virginia (LAWV). The award was presented at the State Bar’s Annual Meeting at the Greenbrier Resort on April 3.
Legal Aid of WV is a nonprofit organization that provides free legal services and advocacy to West Virginia residents. The Pro Bono Service Award recognizes our West Virginia office for their ongoing commitment to providing pro bono legal services that address unmet needs and extend critical services to underserved communities.
In nominating Nelson Mullins for the award, LAWV highlighted the firm’s work coordinating an estate planning clinic in rural Wayne County and mentoring law students from Vanderbilt Law School and West Virginia College of Law. Led by partner Randy L. Saunders and associate Jonah Samples, a team of five attorneys and two paralegals provided simple wills for community members.
“The West Virginia office is honored to receive this recognition from Legal Aid of WV,” Marc Williams, West Virginia’s office managing partner, said. “We recognize that as lawyers, we have an obligation to assist those who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Fortunately, Nelson Mullins has a culture that encourages all lawyers to engage in pro bono work. At our firm, there is no distinction between paying clients and pro bono clients. Our responsibility is to work for all our clients to achieve justice.”
Samples was recently reelected as a LAWV board member, further solidifying the firm’s relationship and partnership with LAWV.
“Our office has a major focus on pro bono work, and it’s a good feeling to have Legal Aid recognize that work,” Samples said. “We’re trying to help the people in West Virginia that need it.”
The Virginia Office has a long history of pro bono efforts beyond those which garnered the award from the State Bar and Legal Aid.
A team of Nelson Mullins attorneys led the effort to convert Huntington’s historic Prichard Hotel into 108 units of affordable housing for low-income seniors. The team, led by Randy Saunders, provided over 1,000 pro bono hours for what turned out to be a $50.8 million tax credit project- the largest in the State’s history.
The West Virginia office also represented a local public library and park systems in a lengthy dispute to rescind an excess tax levy. It also helped the Central Appalachian Highway Development Authority with formation and governance issues and provides the Authority with general counsel services in support of its mission of promoting economic development in southern West Virginia.
NELSON MULLINS SUMMER ASSOCIATES EMBRACE PRO BONO VALUES AT MARYLAND VOLUNTEER LAWYERS SERVICE PANEL ON EARLY CAREER IMPACT
Nelson Mullins summer associates Adria Obonyo and Alen Dzaferagic attended a thoughtful panel discussion hosted by Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) on the importance of incorporating pro bono work early in a legal career.
The event featured legal professionals who shared personal insights on balancing pro bono with the transition from law student to practicing attorney.
“Alen and I enjoyed learning about the panelists’ experiences and the importance of integrating pro bono work early in our careers — we look forward to doing so,” said Adria.
Thank you to MVLS for fostering this important conversation, and to our summer associates for embracing pro bono as part of their professional journeys.
Pictured: West Virginia Office Managing Partner Marc Williams, Partner Randy Saunders, and Senior Associate Jonah Samples
Pictured: Summer Associates Alen Dzaferagic (middle right) and Adria Obonyo (right of Alen)
BALTIMORE ATTORNEYS CONRAD DEITRICK AND ELIZABETH STAMAS RECOGNIZED FOR PRO BONO SERVICE BY COMMUNITY LAW CENTER
Congratulations to Baltimore attorneys Conrad Deitrick and Elizabeth Stamas, who were recently recognized by the Community Law Center (CLC) in Maryland for their outstanding pro bono contributions. CLC’s mission is to strengthen local nonprofits and neighborhood associations through vital legal support.
As part of CLC’s Spring campaign, CLC honored Conrad and Elizabeth for their dedication to community-focused legal service— specifically for providing representation in District Court matters and advising organizations on corporate structure and public resource access.
MONICA HERNANDEZ
HONORED AS PRO BONO VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH BY SAN DIEGO VOLUNTEER LAWYER PROGRAM
Congratulations to San Diego partner Monica Hernandez on being recognized as Pro Bono Volunteer of the Month by San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program (SDVLP).
Monica shared, “I am dedicated to helping make our community a better place. Through SDVLP, I have been able to provide San Diegans with limited means with access to justice in a wide variety of civil legal matters, including child custody, domestic violence restraining orders, estate planning, guardianship, and issue spotting for small businesses. It is an honor to work alongside the SDVLP staff and my fellow volunteers.”
We’re proud to celebrate Monica’s commitment to expanding access to justice and her impact across the San Diego community. SDVLP is a volunteer-driven pro bono legal services program that works to change the lives of the homeless, abused children, domestic violence and elder abuse victims, veterans, immigrants, and those with HIV/AIDS.
THREE NELSON MULLINS ATTORNEYS HELP WOMEN’S NONPROFIT FIND NEW HOME
Schoemann Melges Meirovich
Orlando partner Peter Schoemann, with support from associates Rusty Melges in Boca Raton and Guido Meirovich in New York, played a pivotal role in helping MUJER, a Florida-based nonprofit, secure a new facility in South Florida through a joint venture.
MUJER provides critical services to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and was seeking a new space to expand its support programs. After identifying a potential location south of Miami, the organization needed a partner to complete the acquisition.
To navigate the complexities of the deal, MUJER turned to Dade Legal Aid, which referred the case to Meirovich, who asked for Schoemann’s assistance on the transaction. What began as straightforward assistance with structuring the joint venture soon evolved into a more involved representation, as it became clear that MUJER needed assistance in negotiating the joint venture agreement.
“Initially, we were just helping with structuring the ownership of the property, and representing MUJER in the acquisition of the property,” Schoemann said. “As we got into it, it was pretty clear that they needed significant assistance in protecting its rights in the joint venture agreement, especially because its partner was going to have a majority interest. We had to protect them, because they were putting significant current and future resources into this.”
A key objective for both MUJER and the Nelson Mullins team was ensuring that the nonprofit would have a dedicated, independent space within the new facility, as well as rights with respect to certain jointly used meeting spaces and the authority to lease space to organizations that align with the MUJER mission. This required thoughtful negotiation and careful legal structuring.
“The agreement really required significant negotiation to make sure we closed on the deal, while ensuring that MUJER has the ability to use the space the way they want to use it,” Schoemann added. “Both organizations are trying to do great things. We wanted to make sure that MUJER got what it wants and needs. Given that both organizations would be working side-by-side, this added to the importance of walking the fine line of getting what our client wants, and ensuring that both parties were satisfied with the negotiations and excited to work in the same facility together for years to come.”
Once the agreement was finalized, the results were immediate. MUJER gained access to a new facility that will allow it to expand services and to offer the services of complimentary organizations. This will allow MUJER to reach more clients in the greater Miami area—one of the largest cities in the country.
“The client was ecstatic,” Schoemann said. “Working on a lot of real estate projects from your office, you rarely see what you’re working on. It’s great when you help a client close on the financing to develop multi-family housing, but this one is doing so much good in the community that it feels special.”
Deitrick Stamas Hernandez
HOUSTON TEAM SECURES MAJOR PRO BONO
VICTORY PRESERVING HEALTHCARE ACCESS FOR VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES
Nelson Mullins is proud of our Houston team for the meaningful pro bono win on behalf of Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston (HHH). On May 21, the team achieved a critical legal victory that preserved access to lifesaving healthcare for thousands of Houston’s most vulnerable residents.
HHH is a Federally Qualified Health Center that delivers comprehensive medical and behavioral health care to individuals experiencing homelessness or living in precarious housing conditions across Houston. When HHH faced a regulatory dispute that threatened its funding and ability to continue operations, our attorneys stepped in to provide critical pro bono representation. Their work helped the organization respond to government inquiries and avoid service disruption. This ensured that HHH could continue delivering uninterrupted care to thousands of vulnerable residents who rely on its services.
This outcome was a meaningful win for HHH that preserved a vital safety net for the community —and a powerful example of pro bono advocacy. The victory also reflects the Houston office’s deep and ongoing commitment to pro bono service, with many attorneys already meeting or exceeding the firm’s 50-hour goal for the year.
Houston Office Managing Partner Craig Dillard said: “This extraordinary company provides critical medical care to our city’s most vulnerable populations. In a complex legal dispute that threatened their ability to continue serving those in need, our team stepped in pro bono -- and secured a victory.”
Congratulations to Craig Dillard, Judge David M. Medina, Nathan Avery, Darren Skyles, Janice Walker-Suchyta, summer associate Sarah (Hatcher) Evans, and legal intern Milan Moya for their incredible work.
BOSTON ASSOCIATE CATHERINE SUMMA HONORED BY WOMEN’S BAR FOUNDATION FOR PRO BONO WORK
Congratulations to Boston associate Catherine Summa, who was recognized by the Women’s Bar Foundation (WBF) at its annual event in Boston on May 15 for her outstanding commitment to pro bono service. Catherine was honored for her work with the Family Law Project, which supports low-income survivors of domestic violence through critical family law advocacy.
The evening included a VIP reception and recognition ceremony, where Catherine delivered remarks reflecting on the importance of access to justice and supporting vulnerable communities. She was joined at the event by Firm colleagues and attorneys Samantha Ahearn, Rachael Chen, Melissa Nott-Davis, and Lyndsey Stults, as well as family and friends.
Pictured: Houston Partner Darren Skyles, Intern Milan Moya, Judge David M. Medina, Partner Janice Walker-Suchyta, Associate Nathan Avery, Summer Associate Sarah (Hatcher) Evans, and Houston Office Managing Partner Craig Dillard
Pictured: Boston Associate Catherine Summa
HOUSTON OFFICE NAMED “EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE CHAMPION” BY HOUSTON VOLUNTEER LAWYERS
Congratulations to our Houston office, recently recognized as an Equal Access to Justice Champion by the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program (HVL) for outstanding pro bono service from June 2024 to May 2025.
As part of HVL’s initiative—created in partnership with the Houston Bar Association—participants pledge to accept one pro bono case for every five attorneys in their office. With 30 attorneys, the Houston team committed to taking on six cases and went above and beyond, completing 10 pro bono matters totaling 183 hours. Their work spanned estate planning, guardianship, divorce, tax assistance, nonprofit support, and more.
We’re especially proud that Houston partner Peter Lowy serves on the HVL Board, helping to further the mission of expanding legal access across the region.
Our 2024–2025 Houston Equal Access to Justice Champions, include Houston Attorneys:
Emmanuel Almaraz
Kasi Chadwick
Nima Farzaneh
Peter Lowy
Lisa Margonis
David Medina
Mike Rahmn
Tammy Terry
Audra White