ProBono_Year_In_Review_2024_FINAL

2024 PRO BONO YEAR IN REVIEW

OVERVIEW

In 2024, we marked significant milestones in advancing Nelson Mullins' legacy of providing pro bono services to individuals and organizations focused on civil and human rights and promoting social justice. Centered on advocating for children, revitalizing neighborhoods, combating discrimination and violence, and advocating for education, the Pro Bono Department expanded partnerships, launched innovative projects, and enhanced volunteer resources to set new standards for engagement.

Here are some of our achievements:

• Our Huntington office, in collaboration with Cornerstone Community Development Corporation and over 20 organizations, facilitated the acquisition, negotiation, and financing to convert the historic Prichard Hotel into a large affordable housing and health center complex for low-income seniors.

• Our Boston office collaborated with Massachusetts Appleseed and Bloomberg to analyze language barriers in the court system and inform recommendations to ensure a fair and accessible court process for non-English speakers in Massachusetts.

• In Jacksonville, Florida, in a unique collaboration with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the non-profit LIFT JAX, we helped secure $200 million in funding for revitalization projects in the historic Eastside to address housing issues in the area around the Jaguars’ stadium.

• Our government relations team in North Carolina secured $225,000 in grant funding for a legal aid program in North Carolina to support their work on providing natural disaster relief legal assistance.

• Our real estate teams completed several years of work (and a commitment of over 2,000 pro bono hours) in partnership with the non-profit City of Refuge to help revitalize Atlanta’s underserved Westside, creating affordable housing and comprehensive community support along the Beltline corridor. This effort led the State Bar of Georgia to honor the firm with its 2024 William B. Spann Award, given to a law firm or other organization that addresses previously unmet needs or provides extended services to underserved segments of the population.

Elisa Kodish Pro Bono Partner

Norah Rogers Pro Bono Manager

Emily Guerrero Pro Bono Coordinator

Katherine Lawler Pro Bono Committee Chair

Our work also included support of class actions for detained juveniles and numerous individual cases, including guardianship actions, protective order petitions, wills, name changes, special education cases, expungement actions, and research on policy reform issues.

Our pro bono program received recognition from numerous local and national partners, including the National Legal Aid & Defender Association, Legal Services Corporation, and Lawyers for Good Government, recognizing Nelson Mullins as an outstanding pro bono partner of 2024.

Your support has allowed us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. We extend our sincere gratitude to our legal services partners, pro bono clients, and corporate partners for their trust and collaboration. Below are the numbers that highlight our impact:

OUR IMPACT

50,073 Pro Bono Hours in 2024

68

National Ranking in The American Lawyer Scorecard

32 Firm-Focused Clinics and Training Events in 2024

47.86

Average Pro Bono Hours Per Attorney in 2024

17.6

Million Invested in Pro Bono in 2024

35 Cities Served

2.62 % of Billable Time Devoted to Pro Bono Work in 2024

500+

New Matters Opened in 2024

943,750

Attorney Pro Bono Hours Since Program Inception

PRO BONO AT NELSON MULLINS

2024 YEAR IN REVIEW

CLEVELAND TEAM SECURES EARLY RELEASE

The Cleveland team of former attorney Seth Linnick and Zach Maciaszek secured an early release of the firm’s pro bono client, Jamal Eddings, in August from SCI Somerset Prison in Pennsylvania. Last summer, Seth and Zach agreed to take on Mr. Eddings’ case after the Third Circuit Court of Appeals granted a certificate of appealability on his habeas claim for ineffective assistance of counsel.

In 2018, Mr. Eddings had been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a drug offense. At the time of his sentencing, he had been advised by the public defender that he would receive no more than one to three years, so he was shocked when he

was given 10.

Eddings later learned that he had been designated as a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines, a designation the public defender had not challenged on his behalf. Eddings then pursued a habeas claim on his own behalf, which was convincing enough that the Court of Appeals decided to hear the case.

“Immediately, we saw the issues with respect to his case, they were unique, and we were interested,” Zach said. “He had done all this legwork himself to get it to the Court of Appeals, and (the Court) had picked it up and thought there was something there.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

ATLANTA TEAM PAVES WAY FOR RAIL TRAIL PROJECT

Construction is now underway on a long-awaited rail-to-trail conversion project in Atlanta’s Upper Westside community. Work began on the Woodall Rail Trail, the first segment of the Silver Comet Connector, earlier this month. The future trail will ultimately connect to the Silver Comet Trail, a popular, paved 100-mile path designed for pedestrians and cyclists which connects metro Atlanta to Anniston, Alabama.

The groundbreaking marked a major milestone for the Nelson Mullins team who worked closely with the Upper Westside Community Improvement District for more than three years on the project.

Partners Kate Lewis and Laura Lewin;

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Jamal reunites with his three young children after more than six years apart.

CHARLESTON RESIDENCE

SAVED FOLLOWING PREDATORY TAX SALE

It began with a request for legal assistance in 2018. Our client, an elderly homeowner, received a notice that her home was scheduled to be auctioned in a tax sale. Confused and concerned, she sought help from our legal team. Upon reviewing the documents, our team identified potential irregularities in the paperwork, raising concerns about possible malfeasance. It appeared that our client had been misled by someone she trusted to help her through a financial hardship, leading to her signing documents she did not fully understand.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, our team determined that the case involved an equitable mortgage and immediately took action. We issued a demand letter and prepared to file a case on our client’s behalf. Over the course of six years, our commitment to justice saw this case through various legal challenges, including a magistrate court case, a circuit court case, and ultimately a bankruptcy case. With the collaboration of two private law firms, our client achieved a significant victory: she was able to keep her home.

This case highlights two critical points. First, access to legal services for low-income individuals can be lifechanging, with impacts that extend across generations. At Nelson Mullins, we are on the front lines of addressing some of society’s most profound injustices, and our team is dedicated to listening, assessing, and advocating for those in need. Second, many of our attorneys embody the spirit of the South Carolina Lawyer’s Oath, which emphasizes the importance of assisting the defenseless or oppressed by ensuring justice is accessible to all.

We extend our gratitude to all those involved in this case. Nelson Mullins’ Pro Bono team, led by Norah Rogers and attorneys Merritt Abney and Olesya Bracey, dedicated approximately two years to the civil trial. When the case transitioned to bankruptcy court, our client received invaluable guidance from Smith Debnam attorney Ron Jones. Collectively, our firm and the associated attorneys devoted over 1,000 hours to this case. While this time represents a substantial investment, the outcome for our client was truly priceless.

HOUSING FOR HOMELESS VETS IN TEXAS

A firmwide team led by Orlando’s David Leon helped secure housing for over 30 homeless veterans in a pro bono matter alongside the Solutions for Veterans nonprofit organization.

In late July 2024, a Nelson Mullins client broke ground on a $14 million project in Waco, Texas, that will provide 34 units and a community center on part of a VA hospital campus. The team donated over 600 hours of pro bono time to assist in securing funds for the project and juggling the demands of government, at both the local and federal levels.

“To do a transaction like this, you literally need an act of Congress to get the transaction closed,” David said. “It takes a lot of people to make this thing work including loans from major banks and equity infusion from various fortune 500 companies in exchange for tax credits and soft funds from different governmental entities.”

This required the negotiation of loan documents, partnership equity documents, governmental regulatory agreements, and more. Each closing usually involves over a hundred documents across the various funding sources.

D.C. partner Jay Shuman worked with the financing and government side along with paralegal Gloria Nadal and associate Samantha Chester in the Orlando office.

“The real win for us was getting a chance to bring everyone together and help provide funding for this,” Jay said. “We were there to quarterback the process, keep everyone on track and make sure that everyone got a good deal. There’s definitely satisfaction in knowing that you’re doing something tangible that helps people and really affects their lives.”

The project had been in the works since 2019 but was disrupted by the pandemic – helping to provide a home for a group of people often lost among the margins of society was reward itself for the team.

“The statistic out there is that homeless veterans have a death rate about 50% higher than those with a home,” David noted. “If we’ve got 34 units, that’s 34 people with a place to live, maybe 17 more people have a chance to build a future. That speaks for itself.”

PRICHARD HOTEL CONVERTED TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FOR SENIORS

Seven years ago, Nelson Mullins partner Randy Saunders, along with others in the Huntington, West Virginia community, recognized an opportunity to make a positive impact by revitalizing the Prichard Hotel while addressing the need for affordable senior housing. The challenges of meeting the needs of a significant senior population are particularly pressing nationwide, especially in West Virginia, where 20.5% of the population is over the age of 65, the third-highest percentage in the nation. In response, the Cornerstone Community Development Corporation (CCDC) was formed.

Thanks to partnerships with over 20 organizations, including Christ Temple Church, Stonehenge Capital, Winterwood Inc., CVS Health, Marshall University, Marshall Health Network, and the City of Huntington, the CCDC officially broke ground on February 6 on a $50.8 million project. This initiative will convert the Prichard Hotel into 108 units of affordable housing and a health center for lowincome seniors.

Since its inception, Randy Saunders has served as Vice President of CCDC, leading efforts to bring this vision to life. He has dedicated countless personal hours to the project, leveraging the firm’s affordable housing team in both paid and pro bono capacities. Nelson Mullins partner David Leon, of counsel Jay Shuman, senior associate Jonah Samples, and many other attorneys have been honored to assist with the complex legal aspects of the endeavor, contributing a significant amount of work in a pro bono capacity. Since 2017, Nelson Mullins attorneys have provided more than 1,075 hours of pro bono work on this matter.

Nelson Mullins’ involvement extends beyond pro bono work. From the project’s inception through acquisition, negotiation, financing, including the use of tax credits, and closing, the firm has been deeply engaged in every aspect. This project now stands as the largest historic tax credit project in the state’s history.

While the CCDC was initially formed for this project, the organization looks forward to continuing its work in the City of Huntington and Cabell County, seeking new opportunities to uplift the area. The involvement of Nelson Mullins in CCDC allows Randy Saunders and other team members to provide community service while approaching legal matters with a holistic understanding.

ASSISTANCE WITH LAWSUIT TO KEEP NORTH CAROLINA KIDS OUT OF SOLITARY CONFINEMENT

A team of Nelson Mullins attorneys, led by Charlotte partner Rob Lindholm, teamed with the Council for Children’s Rights in a lawsuit filed against the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

The lawsuit alleges that children detained in identified juvenile

detention centers in North Carolina are being held in solitary confinement. The matter is still in litigation and is a major step in pushing back against questionable practices in the juvenile detention system in North Carolina.

Partners Matthew Lindenbaum, Donna Tillis, and Jenni Jokerst; Associates Soren Young, Yasmeen Ebbini, Axton Crolley, and Michelle Campbell; and paralegal Ann Boney continue to work on this matter as part of the firm’s team.

From page 4

After taking the case, Seth and Zach dove deep into the evolving body of federal sentencing case and statutory law and put together what they believed to be a compelling argument that the career offender designation had been erroneous. Surprisingly, the day the government’s response brief was due, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Pittsburgh called Seth and Zach to let them know that the government reviewed the brief, agreed their arguments were correct, and filed a motion to the Third Circuit asking for the case to be remanded for resentencing. Accordingly, in April 2024, after serving nearly six years of his 10-year sentence, Jamal was resentenced to time served and released from federal custody.

“The federal government could have run the clock out on him practically, and it could have taken years to work through,” Seth said. “They knew we were right, we had the right assistant U.S. Attorney. If they hadn’t joined us on our brief, we’d still be waiting for a hearing now.”

Unfortunately for Mr. Eddings, his case was not over. At the time he committed his federal drug offense, he was on probation in Pennsylvania. Thus, when he was released from federal custody, he was immediately sent to a state prison to await a parole revocation hearing. Thrilled by the result they achieved with the federal appeal, Eddings and his family asked Seth and Zach if they would stay on as counsel and represent him in front of the Pennsylvania parole board. For the next few months as they awaited a hearing date, Seth and Zach focused on building their expertise in parole revocation.

Through extensive research and conversations with public defenders, they learned that Eddings was likely facing another one to three years in state prison for the parole violation. Prior to the hearing, they met with Eddings in prison, put together affidavits from family and former employers, and created a timeline designed to show the parole board that the constitutional violation which led to Eddings’ overstay of his federal sentence essentially equated to the extra time the state was likely to give him for the parole violation.

“We’re generally civil lawyers, so we had a lot to learn about parole sentencing and we talked to public defenders to figure out what mattered most,” Seth said.

The hearing took place on July 31, 2024, with the hearing officer advising Seth and Zach that the board would likely need a month to make their decision.

It didn’t take that long. Less than two weeks later, Seth and Zach received a breathless call from Jamal’s family: Eddings had just been told by prison officials to arrange transportation for release the following day.

The next morning, Mr. Eddings’ longtime partner picked him up from Somerset Prison, and after more than six years away, he was finally reunited with his family.

“Seeing Mr. Eddings reunite with his family and meet his youngest child for the first time after getting out of prison was truly remarkable,” Zach said. “It’s one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever been a part of. When we got that phone call with the news, I remember shouting with excitement – we were absolutely elated for Mr. Eddings!” Between the federal sentence and state parole violation, he arrived home four to six years earlier than he otherwise would have. Mr. Eddings and his family are overwhelmed with gratitude for the time and effort Nelson Mullins expended on their behalf to achieve what became the Cleveland team’s rallying cry, “Justice for Jamal!”

Linnick Maciaszek

Seth (center), Zach (right), and Zoe Douglas (second from right) from the Cleveland office, along with Jamal’s longtime partner and niece after his federal resentencing hearing in Pittsburgh in April 2024.

FLORIDA TEAM SECURES PROTECTION ORDERS IN ANTISEMITISM CASE

In a troubling case involving acts of hatefueled harassment against a Pasco County resident, Miami partner Jonathan Etra and Tampa of counsel Erica James teamed up to successfully secure two orders of protection. Their work, through a pro bono referral from the Anti-Defamation League, put an end to months of terror fueled by antisemitic harassment.

The case began during the December holiday season, when one of our clients, living about an hour north of Tampa, put up the flag of Israel during Chanukah. This simple act led to a disturbing campaign of harassment by two brothers living just a few houses away. What started with verbal abuse soon escalated to threats of gun violence. Later investigations revealed both perpetrators were in possession of assault weapons. Even after the client filed for protective orders, the intimidation continued. One morning, our clients woke to find antisemitic slurs etched into the sidewalk outside their home, vandalizing the concrete with acid.

Securing temporary restraining orders in Florida requires evidence of two separate incidents of harassment for each accused individual. Jonathan and Erica built a strong case by leveraging video footage, which caught one of the brothers near the scene and timing of the vandalism. “This case could have ended up on the wrong side without our involvement,” Jonathan said. “We had to tie two acts of harassment to each brother and prove it conclusively. The graffiti and tape of verbal threats were key, but we had to convince the court there was overwhelming evidence of harassment.”

With both offenders exercising their Fifth Amendment rights, Jonathan and Erica demanded depositions and written discovery in the case. The Court accepted their requests for dozens of adverse inferences, which helped turn the case in the client’s favor. “The defense counsel was really taking a laid-back approach, assuming we wouldn’t be able to prove our case,” Erica recalled. “We had to take an aggressive stance, pushing them to provide answers to our questions, and that shift was the real turning point in the case.”

Ultimately, the Court granted the protective orders, bringing relief to a client who had endured months of fear. With antisemitic incidents on the rise across the country, Erica and Jonathan viewed this victory as a meaningful stand against an escalating wave of hate crimes.

“Most of my work is on the civil side, dealing with monetary damages,” Erica noted. “Being able to intervene, secure protection, and restore a sense of security for our clients in their home was an incredibly rewarding experience.”

FIRM ASSISTS WITH NATIONAL DASHBOARD FOR WETLAND PROTECTIONS

After the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency came down in May 2024, federal protections for surface waters across the country faced shifting regulations. Nearly a year later, work from a Nelson Mullins duo has helped all 50 states identify proper wetland protections nationwide.

Associate Brandon Prince from the Los Angeles office and partner Jack Smith in Charleston were part of a pro bono project that went live in May. Their work with a team at national nonprofit, Lawyers for Good Government, created an online dashboard that outlines existing water and wetland protections for each state, regulating agencies and model policies. The hope is that their work will help policymakers and attorneys identify gaps in their state’s wetland protections and offer examples for effective protections in other jurisdictions.

Passed or Introduced Legislation to Create a State Permitting Program

Passed or Introduced Legislation to Strengthen Clean Water Protections

Stengthened Clean Water Protections through Executive Action

Passed Rollbacks

Anti-Clean Water Legislation Introduced or Failed

No State Action

Etra James

DC’S ROD HALL SECURES

MAJOR EPA GRANT FOR DILLARD UNIVERSITY, UNITED WAY OF SE LOUISIANA

In August 2024, pro bono guidance from DC policy advisor Rod Hall played a pivotal role in helping Dillard University and the United Way of Southeast Louisiana secure a $19.9 million grant.

This significant funding is part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Community Change Grants Program, a $2 billion initiative established by the Inflation Reduction Act to foster community-driven climate resilience. Dillard, Louisiana’s oldest Historically Black College & University (HBCU), is among the first of 17 projects awarded, making it a groundbreaking recipient in a transformative program.

The grant funds will be used to initiate clean energy initiatives and reduce pollution in a pair of Louisiana parishes north of New Orleans, separated by Lake Pontchartrain.

Key projects include expanding bikeshare programs, retrofitting public buildings with new HVAC systems and modernized energy storage, and launching a new clean energy program at Dillard.

Commenting on the project, Rod highlighted the urgent need for natural disaster resilience in the Southeast. “You only need to turn on the TV and see how folks in the Carolinas were suffering as a result of severe weather,” Rod said. “There’s a focus in there on natural disaster resiliency, figuring out how to deal best with these major weather events that only feel like they’re going to get more intense.”

Rod’s role in the process was to help guide Dillard and the United Way through the complexities of the federal grant process, which included navigating DC’s regulatory environment and ensuring effective collaboration.

“It involved a lot of shepherding through the DC bureaucracy, and they took the ball and ran with it,” Rod said. “They coordinated with United Way and came back to me for answers on some of those smaller details.”

Initially monitoring the Inflation Reduction Act’s rollout for a client, Rod’s pro bono work began after a chance encounter with Dillard’s president, who shared his vision for a greener and safer Louisiana.

Reflecting on his contribution, Rod remarked, “The city is a place that holds a special place in the American psyche, and it’s a city I love,” he added. “To know I was a small cog in something that will provide, hopefully, a major impact and a safe harbor in a time of need, is very gratifying.”

COMPLETES NATIONWIDE LANGUAGE ACCESS STUDY WITH MASSACHUSETTS APPLESEED

The firm’s Boston office partnered with the Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice on a significant pro bono project addressing language barriers in state court systems across the United States.

A team of 17 firm attorneys, led by Boston attorneys, Lyndsey Stults, Kelly Hogan, and Tim Harvey, conducted a comprehensive 50-state review and data collection effort to provide actionable recommendations for improving court accessibility.

The project, supported by Bloomberg L.P., examined state court language access plans, consulted with court administrators, and reviewed the availability of interpretation and translation services. The findings will inform a final report recommending best practices which is expected to be released by Massachusetts Appleseed and other partners.

“Massachusetts Appleseed asked us to assist with one piece of a large-scale project that needed a lot of hands on deck.” said Lyndsey Stults, one of the project leaders. “We were tasked with looking at each state’s trial court system, including a review of publicly available resources. If we couldn’t ascertain the information, our pro bono attorneys reached out to the various clerks and public information officers to talk about which issues were still outstanding, which issues worked and what didn’t.”

The team analyzed factors influencing language choices and compiled summary memoranda of recommendations to be included in the final report. Additionally, the project explored the unique challenges faced by individuals who are hearingimpaired in trial court settings.

“This took several months and had a lot of moving parts,” Lyndsay shared. “We had attorneys focused on literature review, others working on the state-by-state surveys. Coordinating such an effort was a significant undertaking, but we were very happy with the outcome. We hope that our efforts help form a robust recommendation and report that will have a real impact on improving language access in the Massachusetts trial courts.”

HISTORIC JACKSONVILLE EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD

TO RECEIVE MAJOR FUNDING

Through pro bono guidance from Jacksonville partners Daniel Nunn and Kelly Waters, the City of Jacksonville’s historic Eastside neighborhood will receive some $115 million in funding dedicated to community revitalization projects. The deal was passed by the Jacksonville city council in September 2024. The NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars will also contribute $75 million over 30 years as part of their agreement with the city for the construction of a new stadium.

The Eastside neighborhood has massive cultural significance both in Florida and the southeast part of the U.S. A large section of the area is on the National Register of Historic Places and was home to many famous former residents, including sprinter and football player “Bullet” Bob Hayes, author Zora Neal Huston, and A. Philip Randolph, a civil rights leader and an organizer of the March on Washington.

“This Eastside neighborhood borders the port area for the city, and it’s a historically Black neighborhood that has generated some incredible people,” Dan said. “It’s been ignored, it’s been segregated – the city has a troubling history with racism and was especially rocked by Hurricane Dora back in the 1960s.”

Since an initial meeting in the fall of 2023, Dan and Kelly’s role with the project was to provide guidance to LIFT JAX, a team of business and community leaders focused on eliminating generational poverty in Jacksonville. They negotiated with the mayor’s office and with the Jaguars on the amount of funding and its timing, as well as the basic terms in the benefits agreement. While Dan set his sights on educating the public at city council meetings, Kelly focused on research that illustrated the depth of the neighborhood’s issues and demonstrated needs.

“The crime rates were particularly striking,” she noted. “We have a combined city and county organization for law enforcement here, and this Eastside neighborhood was one that polls as having the lowest trust and safety levels in the city, with crime rates five times higher than other areas.”

The agreement sets aside funds for affordable housing, benefits across Duval County, and park redevelopment, and directs it toward a neighborhood that is historically low-income.

“It was redlined back in the day, and legally segregated for many years,” Dan added. “It’s been long neglected, and part of our role was getting city council members to understand that.”

With the funding approved, the next piece for the city council to consider is how the money will be spent and whether to use tax increment financing, an option that uses future property tax

revenue to fund further elements of the project. That could push the total economic impact of the deal closer to $200 million.

Taking on a proposal with such local ties made it a no-brainer for the pair to sign on and offer guidance to help make the project a reality. “I was born in D.C., but my mother is from Jacksonville,” Dan said. “She grew up in that neighborhood. To play a role in doing something really good for the neighborhood and the city, feels fantastic.”

Kelly added, “That area near the stadium is one that people from all over Jacksonville go to and enjoy on the weekends. To be doing something for the neighborhood that bears the weight of all that history, it felt overdue, so we were happy to help.”

Source: Jacksonville Daily Record

Nunn Waters

From page 4

associates Michael Scariano, Rob Secrist, and Clover Ding; and paralegal Maysen Rollins have dedicated more than 450 pro bono hours to the complex project. The scope of legal work included negotiating easements and other real estate agreements with various landowners in the community, navigating financial and environmental considerations, and addressing other legal issues to facilitate the trail’s development and construction.

Located in an area of Atlanta lacking sidewalks and greenspace, the future trail will provide the infrastructure needed for pedestrians and cyclists to safely use the path, which is blocked to motorized vehicles. The trail will run alongside iconic restaurants, new housing developments, and other popular amenities in the booming area.

NELSON MULLINS SECURES PRO BONO CUSTODY CASE WIN

The Washington, D.C. office celebrated a pro bono case win in which partner Debra McGuire Mercer and associate Michael Nemcik secured custody for a client seeking guardianship of a juvenile family member.

They were connected to the client through Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), an international organization devoted to the protection of unaccompanied and separated children who enter the United States. Seeking out ways to make a difference, members of the firm’s Telecommunications practice group in D.C. partnered with KIND to help minors from other countries who do not have access to legal representation remain in the U.S. legally.

In this particular case, the team was tasked with helping a minor from El Salvador seek what is known in the U.S. as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). If granted, it allows the minor to pursue lawful residency in America, instead of having to return to their home country. Debra and Michael set out to help the minor’s aunt, who lives in Washington D.C., seek custody of the minor. To do so, Michael and Debra petitioned the Family Law Division of the Superior Court of D.C. on the aunt’s behalf.

This process involved submitting a complaint for custody to the court and attending an in-person hearing with both the minor and his aunt so the Court could hear their testimony. They

also submitted motions asking the judge to make decisions on legal and factual findings related to obtaining SIJS for the minor. These findings are required before one can submit a form to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services seeking SIJS.

As a result, Debra and Michael not only secured third-party custody for the minor’s aunt, but also got the judge to sign the necessary predicate orders needed to pursue SIJS. On May 2, 2024, they received two orders from the Superior Court of D.C. The first order granted our client custody of her nephew, and the second order made findings related to the special status.

Michael worked hard to ensure the court scheduled a hearing before the minor’s 18th birthday. Nelson Mullins senior associate Andrea Olsen-Leyden also played a crucial role in the successful outcome, serving as translator for the client and minor who only speak Spanish.

“We feel very good about the outcome of the D.C. Court portion of the case, and we are looking forward to more success as we assist the minor with the remainder of the process,” said Michael. “The team effort has been great, and we look forward to securing Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for the minor and seeking any other benefits that flow from this status on his behalf.”

McGuire Mercer Nemcik

FROM THE BAR TO THE BARN

HOW WENDY CANADA’S PRO BONO CASE LED TO A HORSE ADOPTION

Two years ago, Hollow Creek Farm Equine & Rescue took in two purebred Arabian horses, a pregnant mare and her foal, who had been seized from their owner after he severely starved and neglected them along with more than 30 other Arabians. As other rescues near the horses’ original home in Spartanburg also swooped in, Hollow Creek had several challenges ahead of them with their two (soon to be three) rescues. They would need to 1) secure Arabian status for the horses and 2) find them safe and loving homes, after they had only known starvation and neglect. In Nelson Mullins attorney Wendy Canada, they unexpectedly found an answer to both.

The nonprofit had tried many attorneys and been turned down for one reason or another before they approached Nelson Mullins. Wendy has always loved horses, and the client just so happened to be located on the backroads between her and her dad’s houses. It felt like it was meant to be, and she volunteered to take on the case pro bono.

With the help of partner Frank Knowlton and associate Shannon Coy, Wendy got to work. Their task was to get Shimmers Blackwind, the mother, and her two foals, Olive Oyl and the newly birthed Sir Tuckerington, registered with the Arabian Horse Association. The team researched animal seizure laws and wrote to the AHA that the nonprofit shelter did indeed have the authority to register them. Nelson Mullins

provided legal documentation that the AHA could have in their records to show that they were allowed to register the horses, which was finalized in September 2023.

As Wendy worked the case to secure Arabian status for Shimmers and Sir Tuck, she also made preparations at home to welcome Olive. She and her husband built a barn, the doors of which came from The Kentucky Horse Park and Claiborne Farms, most notably known for their connection to the legendary racehorse Secretariat.

Poised to take in Olive, they sent in their application, and it was approved. On March 22, they signed the paperwork and brought her home. In less than two years, Olive went from a bleak and neglected life to one where she could thrive with a loving family and a bright and fulfilling future.

Now that the case is closed and Olive is home in her barn, Wendy feels grateful the pro bono opportunity came her way.

“I wasn’t expecting to adopt a horse out of this pro bono representation, but I’m glad I did it,” she said. “It was one of those things where all the pieces fit perfectly into place, and now I get my horse.”

GUARDIANSHIP

NASHVILLE YOUNG ADULT CONSERVATORSHIP EFFORT GROWS FIRM ESTABLISHES NORTH CAROLINA GUARDIANSHIP PROGRAM

The Nashville office had a successful CLE training in Nashville on March 26, 2024, recruiting 25 new lawyers for the Young Adult Conservatorship Project. The Office of Conservatorship Management, Nelson Mullins started this project in 2017 with Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee. Due to the growing need in the area and expansion of the project, other pro bono law firms are also participating in the opportunity.

NELSON MULLINS AND LEGAL AID OF NC ESTABLISH NEW GUARDIANSHIP PROGRAM

In collaboration with Legal Aid of North Carolina, the NM Pro Bono Department has launched a new pro bono program, the NC Young Adult Guardianship Program. In January 2024, several attorneys in our Raleigh and Winston Salem offices were trained on the mechanics of the guardianship process for disabled young adults. Through this pro bono program, volunteers provide free legal representation for low-income caregivers seeking guardianship for profoundly-disabled young adults who are unable to make decisions regarding their own health and safety.

Nate Pencook and paralegal Ellie Hughes of our Raleigh office handled the first guardianship case and recently obtained a successful result for a mother and her 17-year-old son. As a baby, this young man contracted an ordinary virus (Roseola) which unfortunately crossed the blood/brain barrier and caused severe brain damage. Her son should not have survived this disease, and is the longest known survivor of this condition. Due to his disability, he is nonverbal and mostly bedbound, requiring assistance from his mother with eating, bathing, and managing his seizures. As he approaches his 18th birthday, his mother needed to obtain legal guardianship to continue making decisions on his behalf and provide the best care for him.

Nate and Ellie stepped in and managed the case from its inception, explaining the guardianship process, preparing the petition and supporting documents, and eventually representing this mother and son in a hearing. Ultimately, the clerk approved the application for guardianship, leaving the mother “thrilled and extremely grateful.” Nate summed up the proceeding by saying the mother “did a wonderful job in direct examination…expressing her relationship with [her son] and why she wanted to be appointed his guardian. It was quite a touching example of a parent’s selfless love for her child.”

The NC Young Adult Guardianship Program gives volunteers the opportunity to witness firsthand the profound hardship and boundless devotion that defines the lives of these special-needs families.

Pencook Hughes

Associates Lily Shannon (middle) and Jackson Parese (left) and of counsel Joe Damon (right) from the firm's Nashville office attended the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee & the Cumberlands' Breakfast of Champions in April 2024. The firm volunteers with the organization and was a donor for the event.

CATHERINE SUMMA OBTAINS RESTRAINING ORDERS FOR CLIENTS EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC ABUSE

Catherine Summa, an associate in our Boston office, jumped enthusiastically into pro bono and gained some valuable litigation experience, accepting two pro bono cases with The Women’s Bar Foundation of Boston.

The Women’s Bar Foundation exists to ensure access to justice through free legal services for low-income individuals in Boston. Catherine worked specifically with the Bar Foundation’s Family Law Project for Domestic Abuse Survivors, a pro bono program that empowers domestic violence survivors by giving them a voice in their abuse prevention hearings and family law cases. The project’s ultimate goal is to prevent further abuse, homelessness, and loss of child custody. Volunteer attorneys handle these cases and are paired with a mentor to provide support every step of the way.

Catherine assisted a survivor of domestic violence to obtain an extension on a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend and the father of her child. She helped her client prepare a detailed affidavit explaining why she needed this relief and prepared her to respond to the judge’s questions about the relationship and the abuse. Ultimately, after a hearing, the judge granted a one-year extension on the restraining order. The client was so happy with Catherine’s assistance, she has now asked Catherine to help her with obtaining a court order to relocate her minor child outside of Massachusetts.

Catherine worked with another survivor to extend a restraining order against an ex-boyfriend. In this challenging case, the physical abuse occurred years ago, and the ex-boyfriend’s most recent abuse was characterized mostly by verbal abuse and veiled threats. Unfortunately, the judge did not extend the restraining order, but the client was nonetheless proud of herself for having the courage to move forward with the hearing.

Catherine reflects on these cases by saying, “The cases have given me an appreciation for the preparation and hard work it takes to litigate a case from its beginning to end. I’ve learned that interviewing clients is an art, and it takes skill and rapport to develop a timeline, gather information, and organize it into an affidavit that tells a compelling story and evidences the clients’ right to relief.” Calling this experience “invaluable to [her] development as a litigator,” she details that “I have objected to opposing party’s questions and exhibits, prepared direct and cross-examinations, and have been vocal during hearings to preserve my clients’ rights for appeal.” Catherine also notes that the skills she has learned working on these pro bono cases have transferred over to her day-to-day civil litigation cases.

ATLANTA VOLUNTEER LAWYERS FOUNDATION’S INTIMATE PARTNER ABUSE TRAINING

Our Atlanta attorneys attended the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation’s (AVLF) training event on petitioning for temporary restraining orders for victims of intimate partner abuse.

The training focused on how to represent survivors of intimate partner abuse, dating violence, and stalking in 12-month protective order evidentiary hearings. The goal of the training was to teach skills in streamlining the record of testimony and how to gather evidence, with hands-on supervision by AVLF. The training culminates in a full evidentiary hearing before the Georgia Superior Court, with the goal of receiving a successful outcome for the clients -- therefore ensuring their safety, security, and well-being.

CARRIE HANGER HIGHLIGHTED BY NORTH CAROLINA PRO BONO RESOURCE CENTER

Winston-Salem partner Carrie Hanger was featured by North Carolina Pro Bono Resource Center (PBRC). She regularly takes on pro bono projects with PBRC and has enjoyed how meaningful the work has been.

Tell me about your experience with Pro Bono Resource Center projects.

I have enjoyed getting to do the projects through my firm. It is helpful to have discrete projects available where I can make a meaningful difference for unrepresented people in our community.

How has pro bono volunteerism enriched your career?

I have benefited from exposure to other perspectives and from being able get additional experience (whether in court, appeals, discovery, or advising clients). This was especially true when I was a young associate. Early in my career, pro bono provided me with professional development opportunities I would not have had otherwise.

Of what moment(s) from your pro bono work are you proudest?

I have been most proud when I have worked with clients who have felt ignored or mistreated and the matter was one of the first times when they felt they had a voice that was heard.

KATHERINE PENNETTI FEATURED FOR HER PRO BONO WORK BY DVAP

Dallas partner Katherine Pennetti was nominated by the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program (DVAP) to be featured as their "Finest" in the upcoming Dallas Bar Headnotes, which is the Bar's newsletter. DVAP recruits, trains, and supports volunteer attorneys to provide free, civil legal help to low-income people in the area. She has devoted a significant amount of time to pro bono work, specifically with DVAP, since she joined the firm in March 2023. She says she does pro bono work because she believes that “no person should ever be made to feel like his/her economic means are a barrier to receiving good legal services.”

In her practice, Katherine represents clients against product liability claims, with particular focus on automotive, consumer, and medical device products. She has served as lead and second-chair trial counsel in justice courts, state court, and federal court.

CASSIE GUERDAN FEATURED BY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICES

Cassie Guerdan was featured in the Community Legal Services Newsletter:

“Pro bono attorneys, like the unsung heroes they are, illuminate the path to justice through their selfless dedication. Cassie’s commitment to Community Legal Services shines brightly, offering hope and empowerment to those who need it most. Her assistance with the estate planning clinics has been invaluable.”

Cassie is a partner in Orlando who focuses her practice on commercial real estate, primarily for multifamily projects. Community Legal Services is a full-service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice. Nelson Mullins works with CLS regularly to provide pro bono legal services.

ZAHRA ASADI HELPS RESTORE DRIVER’S LICENSE FOR PRO BONO CLIENT

Congratulations to Zahra Asadi on taking the steps to help restore the driver’s license of her pro bono client, who is a grandmother and caretaker to three of her grandchildren.

Zahra’s client got into a car accident in 2019, which led to complex medical issues. Her medical issues have not only brought on a huge amount of medical debt but they have also kept her from being able to work full-time. These circumstances impacted the client’s ability to pay a traffic ticket she received, which eventually snowballed into greater fines that led to her license being revoked.

Because of this client’s demanding medical issues and role as a caretaker to three grandchildren, it was essential that she have the freedom to drive. After working with her client for a few months, Zahra secured a court date and convinced the judge to relieve all fines and fees. Now, Zahra’s client is able to transport her grandchildren and get to her medical appointments without having to pay for an Uber (not to mention all the other errands required in the business of living).

Zahra’s case was part of the North Carolina Pro Bono Resource Center’s Debt Forgiveness Project. The Debt Forgiveness project connects pro bono attorneys with lowincome clients in need of having their license restored.

WILLS FOR WOMEN IN PITTSBURGH

Seven attorneys from our Pittsburgh office participated in their first pro bono wills clinic as an office on May 3, 2024. The “Wills for Women” Clinic was in partnership with the Allegheny County Bar Foundation’s Pro Bono Center and provided simple wills and healthcare directives for 13 low-income women in the Pittsburgh area.

WILLS

FOR HEROES IN MONCKS CORNER

The Pro Bono Department sponsored a Wills for Heroes clinic on April 19, 2024, for first responders in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. Several volunteers from our Charleston and Columbia offices attended and drafted wills and advance health care directives for 32 law enforcement officers.

LAWYERS 4 VETS WILLS CLINIC

Columbia attorneys joined forces on March 15, 2024, with the Dorn VA and students from the USC School of Law Veterans and Law Society to provide simple wills and healthcare powers of attorney to screened low-income veterans.

WILLS FOR RURAL WEST VIRGINIA

The firm recently held its very first Clinic at the Wayne Senior Center in Wayne, West Virginia. This event was made possible through a collaborative effort between Nelson Mullins attorneys and paralegals from the Huntington, West Virginia office, Legal Aid of West Virginia, and students from the Vanderbilt University Law School.

As a part of these efforts Honorable Michael John Aloi, United States Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia in Clarksburg, spoke with attorneys and Vanderbilt University law students to provide valuable insights into interviewing and connecting with clients.

AWARDS

2024 NELSON MULLINS PRO BONO AWARD WINNERS

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Nelson Mullins pro bono awards! The 2024 Claude M. Scarborough, Jr. Award Recipients were: Kate Lewis, Laura Lewin, Marquetta Bryan, Joe Fornadel, Randy Saunders, Mary Biscoe-Hall, Andrea Olsen-Leyden, and Jenny Covington.

Taylor Daly won the George B. Cauthen Lifetime Pro Bono Service Award. Angela Tagliapietra and Grace Hamill were the honorees for the E.W. Mullins, Sr. Paralegal Pro Bono Award.

George

B.

Cauthen Lifetime Pro Bono Service Award

Taylor Daly is the recipient of the firm’s George B. Cauthen Lifetime Pro Bono Service Award.

The award is given to an individual who has shown a lifelong commitment to pro bono service in their community.

With a career-long dedication to pro bono work, Taylor has made a profound impact through leadership and service.

Beginning her public interest contributions as a board member of the Atlanta Women’s Foundation and Atlanta Legal Aid, Taylor has consistently championed access to justice She developed Atlanta Legal Aid’s Pro Bono Mediation Program and gave decades of leadership to the Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice serving as a dedicated board member and board chair. In partnership with Georgia Appleseed, Taylor has led a variety of statewide legislative reform projects focused on critical issues such as heirs property, juvenile justice code reform, racial equity in law enforcement, educational opportunities for at-risk children, healthy housing and tenants facing eviction legislation, and supporting public schools in creation of school safety plans.

As the first Pro Bono Partner at Nelson Mullins, Taylor pioneered the firm’s Pro Bono Department, setting a lasting precedent for an institutional commitment to public service.

Claude

M. Scarborough, Jr.

Awards

The Claude M. Scarborough, Jr. awards are given to honorees who played significant roles in driving impactful system change and in designing program models that can be sustained and replicated.

Kate Lewis, Partner | Atlanta

Laura Lewin, Partner | Miami

Kate, Laura, and their team devoted more than 450 pro bono hours to a multi-year rail-to-trail conversion project in Atlanta’s Upper Westside. After working with the Upper Westside Community Improvement District for more than three years, Kate and Laura’s team assisted with securing land rights, facilitated financing, and developing the infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists to safely travel to the 100-mile-long Silver Comet Trail. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Taylor Daly receives the George B. Cauthen Lifetime Pro Bono Service Award at the 2024 Partners Meeting in Charlotte

Kate Lewis receives the Claude M. Scarborough, Jr. Award in Atlanta

2024 Nelson Mullins Pro Bono Award Winners

From Page 17

Marquetta Bryan, Partner | Atlanta

Marquetta has dedicated herself to multiple pro bono projects including international kidnapping litigations under the Hague Convention leading to the successful return of abducted children, pro bono eviction defense, name change projects, providing employment counsel for nonprofits, and serving on the board of Georgia Legal Services Program.

Joe Fornadel, Partner | Columbia

Joe served as lead partner in a prisoner’s rights case on behalf of a visually impaired client who was the victim of medical malpractice, arguing that his constitutional right to medical care had been violated. Over several years, Joe led a team in federal court, negotiating a settlement that surpassed the statutory limit. His dedication culminated in a week-long trial, where the client finally received his day in court.

Randy Saunders, Partner | Huntington

Randy spearheaded a seven-year project in Huntington, WV to convert the historic Prichard Hotel into the Affordable Senior Housing Community. Randy led a team from the project’s inception, through acquisition, negotiation, and financing, including the utilization of tax credits, all the way through closing. This $50.8 million revitalization effort is the largest historic tax credit project in the history of the state.

Mary Biscoe-Hall, Partner | Baltimore

Mary helped defend and secure custody rights for a mother in a protracted and contentious custody battle involving paternal grandparents who made fraudulent misrepresentations to the court to obtain emergency custody of the children. Mary also handled an international child abduction case to reunite a child with their parent in Mexico. Finally, Mary is recognized for her lead role in a class action lawsuit in New Orleans against unconstitutional law enforcement abuses toward peaceful protesters, a case ongoing in 2025.

Andrea

Olsen-Leyden, Senior Associate | Baltimore

Andrea’s pro bono work includes helping clients fleeing life-threatening situations abroad secure U.S. immigration protections. She has handled 5 Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) cases to assist unaccompanied minors. She was part of a team effort in a Hague international kidnapping case, ensuring the safe return of a child to Mexico. Additionally, Andrea has conducted extensive research tracking legislative changes in reproductive rights laws.

Jenny Covington, Partner | Minneapolis

Jenny provides pro bono services through Anishinabe Legal Services (“ALS”). ALS provides pro bono legal assistance to individuals in matters such as orders for protection, custody disputes, harassment restraining orders, and child protection issues. Jenny and her team obtained an order for protection and full custody on behalf of an individual who is a survivor of domestic violence. Due to Jenny’s efforts, this individual is now in safe and stable housing with her children free from any ongoing harassment.

Jenny Covington and Mary Biscoe-Hall recieve their Claude Scarborough, Jr. awards at the 2024 Partners Meeting in Charlotte

Norah Rogers (right) presents the Claude Scarborough, Jr. Award to Marquetta Bryan

2024

E.W. Mullins, Sr. Paralegal Pro Bono Award

Angela Tagliapietra and Grace Hamill were recognized with the E.W. Mullins, Sr. Paralegal Pro Bono Award.

Angela Tagliapietra, Senior Paralegal | Atlanta

Angela’s pro bono contributions span a remarkable range of legal areas, from international child abduction cases to employment litigation, real estate, immigration relief, and nonprofit advocacy. She assisted on the team whose representation resulted in reuniting a father in Argentina with his abducted child, securing a judgment to protect a veterans’ nonprofit, recovering unpaid wages for a worker, and helping young immigrants seek legal status in the U.S.

Grace Hamill, Paralegal | Charleston

Grace Hamill assisted a legal team in a federal sentence reduction case helping to secure compassionate release that allowed the client to return home permanently in time for the holidays. In a Medicare fraud case, her efforts helped a nurse avoid a five-year sentence, securing supervised probation instead.

ATLANTA’S TURNER WINS CHERYL NAJA AWARD FROM GEORGIA STATE BAR

The State Bar of Georgia honored Nelson Mullins paralegal Maria Branch Turner with the Cheryl Naja Friend of Justice Award for 2024, presented by the state bar’s Access to Justice Committee.

Turner is a senior paralegal in the Atlanta office with more than 30 years of experience working in Atlanta area law firms.

The Cheryl Naja Award is named for the former director of Pro Bono & Community Engagement at Alston & Bird LLP in recognition of her many years spent bettering the lives of all Georgians. It is awarded to an individual other than a lawyer who has gone above and beyond in providing community service and otherwise supporting those in need.

Turner has donated hundreds of pro bono hours to helping

large-scale projects within the state of Georgia, most often with the state’s Appleseed Center for Law & Justice. Her work includes assisting with the center’s JUSTGeorgia Project, which is considered one of the largest coordinated pro bono projects in the state, and it led to the passage of a revised juvenile code.

She also worked with Appleseed’s Race and Law Project, studying to help create trust between law enforcement personnel and the communities they serve. She also assisted on the Behavioral Health Access Project that investigated the health and safety of students and school climate in Georgia.

Turner also assisted with an international kidnapping case in the Northern District of Georgia, representing a Japanese mother whose son was taken from her in 2022 by the child’s father and brought to the U.S.

Maria (center) won the award in its second year of existence.

NELSON MULLINS HONORED WITH 2024 OUTSTANDING PRO BONO PARTNER AWARD

Nelson Mullins is pleased to announce the firm is the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award by Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), a leading nonprofit organization that mobilizes pro bono legal support for human rights programs.

The award acknowledges Nelson Mullins’ extensive contributions to L4GG’s mission, with significant involvement across a diverse range of issue areas, including racial justice, small business support, environmental justice change, healthcare access, and immigrant rights. The recognition coincided with the National Celebration of Pro Bono, which was celebrated October 20-26, 2024.

“Our collaboration with L4GG has been truly outstanding,” said Elisa Kodish, Pro Bono Partner. “Their expertise in coordinating and mobilizing pro bono efforts is unparalleled, and we are proud to work alongside them to make a meaningful difference in communities facing critical challenges.”

Nelson Mullins supports L4GG on multiple initiatives including:

• The Climate Change and Environmental Justice (CCEJ) Program, specifically through its Decarbonization and Climate Resilience Funding Clinic. This initiative helps disadvantaged communities access federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act for vital decarbonization and climate resilience projects.

• The COVID-19 Small Business Remote Legal Clinic, which established legal clinics in four states, offering crucial assistance to struggling small businesses impacted by the pandemic crisis.

• The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Pro Bono Project, helping vulnerable individuals from Ukraine secure legal status to remain and work in the United States without fear of deportation.

• The Florida Food Policy Council with its Storm Squad Campaign, which addresses food insecurity and disaster preparedness in BIPOC communities.

• A solar energy project in Gary, Indiana, where the team provided capital funding advice for a solar energy microgrid project, helping the community implement sustainable energy solutions.

• The Reproductive Health Legal Assistance Project (RHLAP), which tracks daily updates to state-specific healthcare laws. These efforts have helped doctors, patients, and advocates navigate the complex and rapidly changing legal landscape concerning reproductive health access.

“Nelson Mullins has been a steadfast supporter across all our issue areas—racial justice, immigration, environmental justice, climate change, and healthcare access. Their lawyers have dedicated approximately 5,000 hours, valued at over $2 million, working on a wide variety of subject matters for L4GG,” said Lauren Worsek, L4GG’s Director of Pro Bono Initiatives.

Norah Rogers (left) and Elisa Kodish (right) are presented with the L4GG Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award.

ATLANTA REAL ESTATE TEAM RECEIVES WILLIAM B. SPANN JR. AWARD FOR PRO BONO WORK

The firm’s Atlanta-based real estate team, led by partners Andy Litvak and Abe Kannof, was honored with the Georgia State Bar’s William B. Spann, Jr. Award for its pro bono work in some of the city’s underserved communities. This distinguished recognition highlights the firm’s ongoing commitment to providing pro bono legal services that address unmet legal needs and extend critical services to underserved communities.

In 2016, the firm’s real estate team, which is comprised of more than 40 other firm attorneys and paralegals, partnered with the nonprofit, City of Refuge, to revitalize Atlanta’s Westside—a neighborhood historically plagued by poverty and violence. Since then, the team has provided more than 2,000 pro bono hours, significantly advancing the City of Refuge’s mission to lead individuals and families to self-sufficiency through health, housing, education, and workforce development.

The team’s work with City of Refuge includes assisting with the acquisition of abandoned properties, securing funding for land and development, negotiating joint-venture agreements, and developing affordable housing. Those efforts have directly

supported the creation of The 1300, a 47-unit affordable housing development offering families access to wraparound services, including healthcare, vocational training, and childcare.

“Through our partnership with City of Refuge, we’ve been able to contribute to meaningful projects that create real change in Atlanta’s Westside community,” Andy said. “Our work underscores the impact of affordable housing in transforming lives and fostering self-sufficiency.”

The Atlanta team has also played a critical role in restoring neighborhoods like Proctor Creek and developing green spaces in collaboration with the Conservation Fund. Most recently, they negotiated a multi-million-dollar transaction for the Atlanta Beltline, ensuring affordable housing remains a priority as the city continues its growth.

“Nelson Mullins shares our belief that affordable housing is a cornerstone of self-sufficiency,” City of Refuge CEO Bruce Deel said. “Their unwavering commitment has been instrumental in building stronger, more vibrant communities.”

Pictured left to right: Partner Abe Kannof, associate Caambridge Horton, and partner Andy Litvak accept the Georgia State Bar’s William B. Spann, Jr. Award.

MARIA TURNER, ALFONSO OROZCO RECOGNIZED BY GEORGIA APPLESEED

Nelson Mullins was recognized as a 2022–23 Pro Bono Champion Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice annual fundraising event, “Roaring for Justice at Zoo Atlanta,” with paralegals Maria Turner and Alfonso J. Orozco specifically recognized as Key Contributors.

Georgia Appleseed advocates for the most underserved and underrepresented children in Georgia. Many Atlanta lawyers have worked on pro bono projects focused on bringing about systemic improvements in housing justice, school justice, behavioral health, and the foster care system.

The organization said it “deeply appreciates Nelson Mullins attorneys and staff for their dedication to advancing justice and equity for Georgia’s children and families. Your pro bono support empowers Georgia Appleseed to drive policy initiatives that keep kids in school, in secure housing, and out of the criminal justice system. Thank you for your invaluable partnership.”

BALTIMORE RECEIVES COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD

Members of the Baltimore office attended the Community Law Center’s fall fundraiser where the firm was presented with their Community Champion Award for its pro bono contributions. The Center noted they regard their partnership with the firm as the “gold standard.”   From left to right:  Florina Lepei, Brianna Drayton, Katherine Lawler,  Elizabeth Stamas, Troy Walker,  Andrea Olsen-Leyden, Maya Foster,  Sameerah Mickey.

NELSON MULLINS HONORED WITH 2024

BEACON OF JUSTICE AWARD

The National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) announced Nelson Mullins is among the 40 law firms honored with the 2024 Beacon of Justice Award, which recognizes firms for their pro bono efforts related to civil and human rights issues. NLADA is a large nonprofit organization devoted to providing legal services for those who cannot afford counsel.

In the April 17, 2024, announcement, NLADA said, "The 2024 Beacon of Justice honorees have demonstrated an understanding of the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, gender, religion, sexual orientation and other characteristics that may create interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage. Our honorees have worked to address these complex challenges in their pro bono practice."

Nelson Mullins was recognized alongside the other honorees at the annual NLADA Exemplar Awards Gala on June 6, 2024. Prior to this year, the firm also received the Beacon of Justice Award in 2022 and 2023.

given to firms who, through their pro bono work, fight against racial and civil injustices in society. Nelson Mullins committed over 50,000 hours of pro bono service in 2023.

Nelson Mullins was awarded the 2024 Beacon of Justice Award from National Legal Aid & Defender Assocation (NLADA). The award is

JENNY COVINGTON RECOGNIZED BY LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION

The Legal Services Corporation (LSC), an independent nonprofit corporation that promotes equal access to justice and provides grants for high-quality civil legal assistance to low-income Americans, named Jenny Covington one of the recipients of the organization's Pro Bono Legal Service Award for her work with Anishinabe Legal Services.

ALS provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals living on or near the Leech Lake, Red Lake, & White Earth Reservations. Covington and her team have assisted ALS with custody matters, orders for protection, and other legal activities supporting women and children freeing themselves from family violence.

Covington was awarded with the honor for her, "commitment to shrinking the justice gap for underserved Minnesotans and members of Tribal Nations." She was recognized in Minneapolis by the LSC Board during a July reception in Minneapolis.

"Jenny has been an incredible partner to Anishinabe Legal Services, not only as a volunteer attorney, but also as a champion for pro bono work to other attorneys, as well," said Cody Nelson, executive director of Anishinabe Legal Services, who nominated Covington for the award.

NM HONORED AS 2023 FIRM OF THE YEAR FROM GEORGIA LAWYERS FOR THE ARTS

Mullins received the 2023 Arts Firm of the Year Award from Georgia Lawyers for the Arts (GLA). Pro bono partner Elisa Kodish and associate Jeffrey Hendricks attended the event on April 11 and accepted a beautiful, glass-blown trophy which will be on display in the office’s reception area. Pictured left to right, Meredith Ragians, executive director at GLA; Jeffrey; Elisa; and Kelly Bray, director of legal services at GLA. Jeffrey, Avery Carter, Mark VanderBroek, and Kelly Whitehart have all worked on matters for GLA to earn this recognition. Go team!

ROBERT LINDHOLM WORKS WITH COUNCIL FOR CHILDREN’S RIGHTS, RECEIVES AWARD FROM MECKLENBURG BAR ASSOCIATION

receives the Council for Children's Rights’ Outstanding Individual Attorney Pro Bono Award at the

Bar Association's annual meeting.

Partner Robert Lindholm was recognized by the Council for Children's Rights and Mecklenburg Bar Association with the Outstanding Individual Attorney Pro Bono Award at the Mecklenburg Bar Association/26th JD Bar's Annual Meeting in May 2024.

Robert was recognized for his work in helping the Council file a putative class action lawsuit alleging that children detained in some juvenile detention centers in North Carolina were being held in solitary confinement.

Nelson

Charlotte partner Robert Lindholm (right)

Mecklenburg

LAWYER ON THE LINE EMPOWERS NC TENANTS

“The Legal Aid clients we serve through the Lawyer on the Line project are struggling with accommodations that require repairs to be habitable, and landlords or property managers who are unresponsive or slow to respond,” partner Katie Irwin shared. “If we can play even a small part in empowering these individuals and ensuring more North Carolinians have safe, sanitary places to live, that is well worthwhile.”

PARTNERING WITH VOTERIDERS TO SECURE ELECTION PROTECTION

In partnership with VoteRiders, 120 Nelson Mullins attorneys and paralegals gathered, both in person in the Atlanta office and virtually firm-wide, to receive pro bono training to help voters obtain identification and exercise their right to vote.

VoteRiders partners with law firms, businesses, democracy organizations, and direct service providers to 1) identify eligible voters who do not have an ID that will be accepted for voting and 2) to assist those voters in obtaining an accepted ID.

TEAMING UP WITH ADVOCATES FOR COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION IN DALLAS

Nelson Mullins attorneys and Advocates for Community Transformation (ACT) met on Feb. 13, 2024, for a CLE Pro Bono Training in the Dallas office. ACT is an area nonprofit that exists to make neighborhood safety a reality in low-income Dallas communities. The nonprofit equips residents to combat crime through civil justice by providing co-counsel with pro bono attorneys to represent residents near crime-ridden properties and take legal action against property holders who allow crime to dismantle local neighborhoods.

SOUTH CAROLINA LAWYERS PARTICIPATE IN AFGHAN FAMILY REUNIFICATION CLINIC

NATIONAL VOTER HOTLINE RECEIVES HELPING HAND FROM BOCA OFFICE

In June 2024, Nelson Mullins partnered with Immigration Legal Services for Afghan Arrivals (ILSAA) to participate in an impactful Afghan Family Reunification Clinic held from in Columbia, South Carolina.

ILSAA provides free immigration legal services to eligible Afghan arrivals nationwide and strengthens the capacity of immigration legal services providers to deliver these essential services. Through this collaboration, Nelson Mullins assisted Afghans who have asylum status to complete the immigration forms to bring their family members to the United States.

The clinic's preparation involved a comprehensive virtual training session for volunteers, ensuring they were well-equipped to navigate the complexities of immigration law.

Hosted at Reformation Lutheran Church, the clinic included a dedicated team of Nelson Mullins attorneys, including Raymond Prince, Andrew Rawl, Sydney Hamer, Elaine Yap, Phillip Mullinnix, Michael Moran, and Emily Guerrero. These attorneys worked hand in hand with seasoned immigration attorneys on ILSAA’s clinic staff and interpreters. They provided crucial assistance to Afghan families who had been granted asylum, helping them navigate the intricate paperwork required for family reunification.

The clinic was also supported by VECINA, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering immigrant justice advocates through mentoring, education, and volunteer mobilization.

The clinic gave Nelson Mullins attorneys an opportunity to contribute their time and skills in a vital aspect of the broader immigration process, aiding Afghan families in their quest to reunite and rebuild their lives together in the U.S.

The Boca Raton office came together to partner with The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law to update state materials used by legal volunteers answering calls to the Election Protection national voter hotline (1-866-OURVOTE). The non-partisan hotline aids voters with problems and guides them throughout the voting process. Attorneys reviewed and updated the FAQs and state election pages for Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, and California in advance of the 2024 primaries and general election.

Pro bono appreciation is extended to the following: Michelle Jessell, Chase Nielsen, Michael Marcus, Nick Carbo, Stephanie Hussaini, and Christina Lehm.

4,680

Associates Elaine Yap (left) and Sydney Hamer (center left) work with staff from ILSAA.

CHARLOTTE ASSOCIATES TEAM WITH NC PRO BONO RESOURCE CENTER FOR DRIVER’S LICENSE RESTORATION CLINIC

paralegals

In partnership with the North Carolina Pro Bono Resource Center, the Charlotte office and summer associates from Columbia participated in a License Restoration Clinic on June 18, 2024. This pro bono program helps individuals whose drivers’ licenses have been suspended indefinitely due to their inability to pay traffic fines. Volunteers at the clinic drafted license restoration advice letters for people that requested the help. In total, the team assisted 109 individuals with step-by-step advice on how to resolve their license suspensions. Volunteers identified the cause of suspension, reviewed driving records, and provided detailed advice letters to those who needed assistance.

COLUMBIA ATTORNEYS ASSIST NAME CHANGE CLINIC TO PROVIDE GENDER AFFIRMING LEGAL SERVICES

Several attorneys in Columbia volunteered their time and services at a Gender Marker/Name Change Clinic held on June 28, 2024. Partner Joe Fornadel, associate counsel Elaine Yap, and associate Yasmeen Ebbini joined the Rainy Day Fund and several other nonprofit organizations to assist members of the LGBTQ+ community navigate the legal process of changing their name or gender marker.

They were joined by summer associates Hugo Salazar, Katie Frank and Luke Dorrough. It was a great opportunity for the summer associates to experience firsthand the impactful and rewarding aspects of pro bono work.

Changing one’s name and gender marker can have a profound effect on someone’s identity. This clinic was a one-stop shop, providing clients who need to make these changes with the legal guidance and compassion to make it happen.

Overall, the one-day event was a big success given the 28 clinic clients who were provided legal services including two birth certificate modifications, six name changes, two minor name changes, and 16 name changes with a birth certificate modification.

Attorneys and

that volunteered to work with the N.C. Pro Bono Resource Center on the initiative gathered at the firm's Charlotte office.

VALUE OF NELSON MULLINS’ PRO BONO SUPPORT FOR PRO BONO PARTNERSHIP’S NONPROFIT CLIENTS IN NY, NJ, AND CT

17 NONPROFITS 23 MATTERS + = $247,124

*Based on program data from Pro Bono Partnership. The average matter requires 16.53 hours of support, valued at $650 per hour.

VALUE OF NELSON MULLINS’ PRO BONO SUPPORT FOR PRO BONO PARTNERSHIP’S NONPROFIT CLIENTS IN GEORGIA

2023 ALL TIME

178 LEGAL PROJECTS

2,314 VOLUNTEER HOURS

$1,041,300 VALUE IN LEGAL SERVICES

$5,000 DONATED

982 LEGAL PROJECTS

12,766 VOLUNTEER HOURS

$5,744,700 VALUE IN LEGAL SERVICES $74,000 DONATED

ATLANTA OFFICE RAISES $47K FOR 2023 ATLANTA VOLUNTEER LAWYERS FOUNDATION CAMPAIGN

For the third year in a row, Nelson Mullins’ Atlanta office has raised the highest amount of funds for the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) Annual Cup, claiming the championship. All in all, 67 individuals donated, and the Atlanta office and its teams gave an additional $10,000, bringing the total to $47,943.

AVLF’s mission is to create safe and stable homes and families in Atlanta by inspiring the fight for equal justice. They serve more than 5,000 individuals each year. AVLF has more than 50 staff members, rotating ranks of volunteer attorneys and legal professionals, and a Board of Directors and Leadership Council that guides the organization’s goals and vision.

CHARLESTON ATTORNEYS

ATTEND CHARLESTON LEGAL ACCESS EVENT

Several members of the Charleston office attended Charleston Legal Access’ Eighth Anniversary Celebration on April 18, 2024, held at the Harbour Club in downtown Charleston. With the support of Nelson Mullins and many other area firms, Charleston Legal Access was founded with the mission of ensuring that everyone has access to legal representation, regardless of their income or background. In the eight years since then, they have helped countless individuals and families navigate the complexities of the legal system and access their rights. Nelson Mullins was one of the sponsors of the event, which had a silent auction to raise funds to expand their operations.

FIRM REPRESENTED AT HUMAN TRAFFICKING EVENT

The Charleston-based Formation Project, a nonprofit focused on assisting human trafficking victims, hosted a March event attended by a handful of firm employees that centered on empowering survivors.

Pictured left to right, Kristy Weathers (Sutherland), Kyle Newman (AVLF), Nelson Mullins pro bono partner Elisa Kodish, Michael Lucas (AVLF), and Ken Franklin (Honeywell).

Pictured left to right are Ashley Hawkins, Emily Guerrero, Norah Rogers, Lauren Lynch, Olesya Bracey, Sydney Hamer. Not pictured: Matt Austin.

From left to right: retired DEA agent Brendan McSheehy, partner Matt Austin, Formation Project board member Lauren Knapp, paralegal Grace Hamill, associate Ashley Hawkins.

Associates Lily Shannon (middle) and Jackson Parese (left) and of counsel Joe Damon (right) from the firm's Nashville office attended the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee & the Cumberlands' 2024 Breakfast of Champions in April. The firm volunteers with the organization and was a donor for the event.

HOW DOES PRO BONO MAKE YOU A BETTER LAWYER?

Engaging in pro bono work offers attorneys a unique opportunity to expand their perspectives and enhance their legal practice. Through these experiences, they gain valuable insights that inform their approach to clients, cases, and the broader legal system. Learn how pro bono work has shaped the professional journeys of these attorneys.

“The cases have given me an appreciation for the preparation and hard work it takes to litigate a case from its beginning to end. I’ve learned that interviewing clients is an art, and it takes skill and rapport to develop a timeline, gather information, and organize it to tell a compelling story. This experience has been invaluable to my development as a litigator.”

Catherine Summa, Boston associate, on assisting a survivor of domestic violence to extend a restraining order

“To be doing something [in conjunction with the Jacksonville Jaguars] for the neighborhood that bears the weight of all that history, it felt overdue, so we were happy to help.”

Kelly Waters, Jacksonville partner, on helping secure $115 million in funding dedicated to community revitalization

“There’s definitely satisfaction in knowing that you’re doing something tangible that helps people and really affects their lives.”

Jay Shuman, D.C. partner, on helping fund a $14 million project in Waco, Texas to provide housing to homeless veterans

“To know I was a small cog in something will provide a major impact a safe harbor in a time of need is very gratifying.”

Rod Hall, D.C. senior policy advisor, on helping Dillard University and United Way of Southeast Louisiana secure a $19 million grant

“Seeing our client reunite with his family and meet his youngest child for the first time after getting of prison was truly remarkable. It’s one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever been a part of.”

Zach Maciaszek, Cleveland senior associate, on helping secure an early release for a pro bono client from SCI Somerset Prison in PA

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PRO BONO CHAMPIONS

Below is a list of attorneys, policy advisors, paralegals, and practice assistants who have logged 50+ hours of pro bono work. In total, we had 50,072 hours in 2024. Your dedication to pro bono is inspiring!

Partners

Matthew A. Abee

Francisco Armada

Ginger Barry Boyd

J. Andrew Bertron

Mary C. Biscoe-Hall

Robert H. Brunson

Marquetta J. Bryan

Lindsay L. Builder

John M. Campbell

W. Thomas Carter

Christopher D. Casavale

Kasi N. Chadwick

Dell P. Chappell

Mark T. Clouatre

Miles E. Coleman

Philip R. Cosgrove

Gene E Crick Jr

Hannah L. Cross

Lori A. Czepiel

Taylor T. Daly

E. Bart Daniel

Travis Dayhuff

Kathleen L Deutsch

Augustus M. Dixon

James A. Dudukovich

Debbie W. Durban

Shahrzad Emami

Knicole C. Emanuel

Jonathan Etra

Neil E. Grayson

Gina G. Greenwood

Denise M. Gunter

John B. Hagerty

Peter J. Haley

C. Wells Hall

Thomas M. Hancock

Carrie A. Hanger

Brett T. Hanna

Monee T. Hanna

Barbara M. Harding

Sean C. Hastings

Bernard F. Hawkins

Andrew T. Heath

Ronald L. Hicks

P. Mason Hogue

Joel J. Hughey

Gabriel L Imperato

Matthew J. Iverson

Kenneth Allen Janik

Michelle Jessell

Michelle W. Johnson

Stanley S. Jones

Jennifer A. Jordan

Abraham U. Kannof

Alexandra H. Katich

Russell P. Love

Scott D. MacLatchie

Gregory J. May

Leianne S. McEvoy

Carolyn B. McGee

Steve A. McKelvey

Debra M. Mercer

Mark L. Miller

Graham S. Mitchell

John P. Monahon

Bradley C. Moody

Thomas F. Moran

Phillip G. Mullinnix

Daniel B. Nunn

Scott R. Palmer

Laurence M. Papel

Katherine H. Pennetti

Jeffrey H. Perry

Jody E. Porter

Gargione H. Prado

Zelica M. Quigley

Patrick D. Quinn

George S. Ray

Shaun A. Rechsteiner

Rebecca A. Rodriguez

John P. Streelman

Robert T. Streisel

Lyndsey A. Stults

Jeffrey M. Kelly

Patrick LaRue

Katherine A. Lawler

James Kent Lehman

Heather Russell Fine

Candace S. Friel

Carl E. Fumarola

Blake A. Gansborg

Bryson M. Geer

Molly J. Given

Jahmy S. Graham

Richard B. Levin

Katherine M. Lewis

Matthew G. Lindenbaum

Robert L. Lindholm

Seth J. Linnick

Andrew M. Litvak

Kraig B. Long

Virginia B. Rolfes

Ethan L. Rosenfeld

Andrew J. Rosenzweig

Dowse B. Rustin

Randall L. Saunders

Peter A Schoemann

John D. Sear

Peter W. Sheehan

Darren S. Skyles

Cary A. Slobin

Newman Jack Smith

Michael L. Snyder

George M. Teague

Donna O. Tillis

Heather Toft

Kevin R. Tran

Raul A. Valero

Melissa Nicole VanSickle

John C. Von Lehe

Michael T. Wade

D. Martin Warf

Kelly Dunn Waters

Paula T. Watford

Lucas A. Westby

Edward K. White

Blake T. Williams

Marc E. Williams

Jillian D. Willis

G. Gray Wilson

Michelle R. Yarbrough Korb

Thurman W. Zollicoffer

Of Counsel

Joseph B. Damon

Holly Dutton

Erika K. Fedelini

Deborah B. Hembree

Lisa A. Herbert

Monica Y. Hernandez

Jason R. Hodge

William P. Horkan

Erica M. James

Jonathan M. Knicely

Lorin J. Lapidus

Kristin B. Martin

Lorie A. Mason

John D. Maxa

Jeffrey W. Newman

Morris E. Osborn

Christopher S. Polston

Richard J. Schuler

Jay W. Shuman

Vickie R. Thompson

Amy M. Toboco

Peter J. Veysey

Jeffrey A. Wald

Robert W. Wenner

Associates

Edward B. Able

Samantha M. Ahearn

Zahra Asadi

Caroline K. Baldwin

Connor L. Ballinger

Claire C. Barlow

Chelsea K. Barnes

Marina G. Batalias

Jeffrey Beattie

Matthew Blewitt

Cara L. Brack

Michelle L. Campbell

Ashia B. Carpenter

Avery G. Carter

Ariel J. Cavazos

Rachael C. Chen

Cayton S. Chrisman

Daniel A. Gabuardi

Danielle Gibbons

Joseph M. Gorga

Andrew T. Hall

Bridget E. Harris

Nicholas W. Heckman

Jeffrey Hendricks

Caambridge L. Horton

Alexander Hsu

Antonia Iragorri Bernal

Katie K. Irwin

Racquelle R. James

Isabelle V. Janssen

Catalina Jimenez

Emily P. Johnson

Joel P. Jordan

Hannah D. Kays

Jacob D. Kea

Allyssa A. Kimbler

Jenna M. Lazarus

Laura M. Lewin

Maria Florina Lupei

Zachary C. Maciaszek

Ryan K. Maher

Michael D. Marcus

Emily A. McClendon

Adam B. McCoy

Alexis Rallis

Michael S. Reynolds

Stephanie M. Robin

Brian E. Russ

Taryn M. Ryan

Eric D. Salyers

Anna A. Schmelzle

Robert C. Schmidt

Melissa J. Scott

Michael E. Seager

Robert L. Secrist

Lily M. Shannon

Matthew J. Smaron

Matthew A. Smekens

Taylor Stein

Michael P. Stover

Catherine N. Summa

Stephen D. Sutherland

Kendra D. Talley

Jonathan H. Taylor

Lauren Timlin

Jonathan D. Todd

Kendall E. Topper

Arslan S. Valimohamed

Esther A. Veloz

Caroline A. Warner

Zackary B. Weiss

Government Relations

Emily M. Bond

Jennifer A. Castagna

Zakiya S. Ellis

Marianna McDevitt

Guido O. Meirovich

Kristen L. Mella

Jennifer E. Ciarrocchi

Axton D. Crolley

Andrew R. Crowe

Timur Dikec

Shane M. Duer

Yasmeen E. Ebbini

Elizabeth A. Falconer

Deidre L. Fragapane

Alexander C. Frampton

Kate E. Freeman

Jordan A. Fuit

Franco Jose Furmanski

Cheyenne A. Moore

Caroline M. Moos

Joseph P. Murphy

Christian J. Myers

Stephanie D. Nakash

Michael J. Nemcik

Andrea Olsen-Leyden

Jackson E. Parese

Priyanka R. Parikh

Londen J. Powers

Brandon A. Prince

Seth L. Proctor

Kevin J. Wender

Zachary L. Wexler

Mary S. Williams

Soren K. Young

Joy Zheng

Associate Counsel

Campbell Taylor

Amanda L. Tecklenburg

Elaine L. Yap

Staff Attorneys

Lauren S. Byrne

Nathan J. Kennedy

Daniel S. Gordon

Catherine A. Holahan

Ronald P. Klink

Bethany M. Little

Connie Myers

Jennifer L. Pharaoh

Helen L. Sloat

Edward J. Smith

Marquis H. Woods

Paralegals

Carrie A. Boyer

Yvonne M. Brittain

Keith R. Connett

Kelli P. Eargle

Olivia M. Fergerstrom

Grace Hamill

Linnea K. Hann

Meredith S. Keane

Lauren M. Lynch

Janice Morreale

Gloria E Nadal

Jennifer L. Pugh-Nolan

Jama S. Reynolds

Kelli D. Spencer

Lantz K. Stoltzfus

Angela J. Tagliapietra

Meg Thrasher

Maria B. Turner

Kevin J. Werner

Practice Assistants

Ann Galloway

Luis Omar Matos Vega

Hubert T. Pach