| Richard Anderson II of Anderson Trial Law is a Pro Bono Hero because of the time, effort, and compassion he gives every child he represents, says Crossroads For Florida Kids. Since joining Crossroads in 2025, he has logged over 300 hours representing four youth with complex needs across the foster care and juvenile justice systems. His first case, involving a young man in juvenile mental health court, ended with all charges dismissed, and he still stays in touch with that youth. Richard volunteers to pay forward the guidance he received as a young man, and he brings patience and perseverance to every case. “The most rewarding part,” he says, “is helping young people find sources of strength in themselves, and inspiring them to a future marked by enduring happiness.” #ProBonoHero |
| Walter Benenati of The Benenati Law Firm began taking pro bono bankruptcy cases from Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association in 2009. Since that time, he has accepted 36 cases and reported over 194 hours. He has been known to take on 2 or 3 cases at the same time. Legal aid staff says, “Walter is always willing to help with multiple bankruptcy cases, especially when the clients speak Spanish. Many times, our clients that speak another language don’t have someone who can interpret for them and being able to get pro bono assistance from an attorney that speaks their language makes the process easier and more understandable for them.” |
| Michael Brooks of Michael J. Brooks – Bankruptcy Now embodies what it means to be a #ProBonoHero. A longtime bankruptcy and collections attorney, Michael has devoted countless hours to helping Dade Legal Aid/Put Something Back clients facing serious financial and legal challenges. He is the kind of volunteer every legal services organization hopes to have: generous, dependable, compassionate, and always willing to step up when someone needs help. Again and again, Michael has accepted pro bono matters and used his decades of experience to advocate for people who could not otherwise afford an attorney. His generosity and unwavering commitment to serving those less fortunate exemplify the very best of the legal profession and make him truly deserving of recognition. |
| Andrea Darling de Cortes of Holland & Knight is a #ProBonoHero because of the depth of relationship she builds with every child she represents, says Crossroads For Florida Kids. Since 2020, she has logged over 340 hours on complex, multi-year dependency and delinquency cases involving six youth, including one client she has represented since 2022, through dependency into extended foster care. When that client’s medical bills went unpaid for months, Andrea took the issue to court and secured an order for full payment. She has since supported the same client through the pursuit of trade school. “I may provide guidance and support,” Andrea says, “but she has taught me just as much about resilience, gratitude, and strength.” |
| Catherine Davey of Davey Law Group began doing pro bono in 1997. In that time, she has accepted 93 cases, most of which are guardianship cases. She has reported over 400 hours on these cases. She also trains Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association staff attorneys and other pro bono attorneys. She participates in community education events on guardianship topics and currently has 11 open pro bono cases. One of her open cases has been ongoing since 2009. Legal aid staff says that “to know Catherine is to know what an incredible advocate she is for families of those with special needs. That advocacy extends to our pro bono cases too!” |
| Kenneth Duvall, partner and assistant general counsel at Bilzin Sumberg, has performed exceptional pro bono work for Lawyers for Children America (LFCA) and demonstrated unwavering dedication to foster children and youth. Ken became involved with LFCA as a young associate at Bilzin in 2019. Over the years, Ken has represented LFCA clients in multiple cases involving complex child dependency matters, extended foster care for youth over age 18, and administrative appeals. Since becoming a firm partner, Ken also has mentored Bilzin associates in these cases. He consistently approaches vulnerable clients with compassion. Additionally, Ken serves on LFCA’s Board of Directors and speaks at LFCA’s pro bono trainings. Throughout all his work, Ken embodies the highest ideals of our legal profession. #ProBonoHero |
| Julianna Favale of Carr Allison not only attends a variety of clinics and outreach programs, says Jacksonville Area Legal Aid staff, but she always goes above and beyond with the clients she meets with spending extra time, helping them draft documents, or giving them written step-by-step instructions. #ProBonoHero |
| Lucie Fisher of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is a Pro Bono Hero because she shows up for kids who have no one else consistently in their corner, says Crossroads For Florida Kids. Since joining Crossroads in late 2024, she has logged over 225 hours representing six youth in dependency and delinquency cases. Most recently, she helped a youth with mental health challenges earn a dismissal of all charges. Now she is representing twin sisters in both the foster care and juvenile justice systems, attending every hearing and staffing. She steps in for on-call and last-minute cases. As she puts it, “Those moments have been some of the most powerful, because the children truly appreciate you showing up for them when they don’t have anyone else consistently advocating solely for them.” #ProBonoHero |
| Caroline Herter of Podhurst Orseck has assisted CABA Pro Bono Legal Services with various cases and is currently representing a matter involving five minor siblings who are currently in foster care. CABA Pro Bono is truly grateful for Ms. Herter’s professionalism, dedication, and hard work in advocating for these children. Her commitment and compassion have made a meaningful difference. #ProBonoHero |
| Marck Joseph of the Joseph Law Firm is a frequent lecturer, mentor and volunteer attorney who graciously accepts challenging family law cases from Dade Legal Aid – Put Something Back. He is one of the most generous and thoughtful pro bono family lawyers in our community. His willingness to share his time, treasure and expertise is truly inspirational. He frequently lectures at DLA’s annual Nuts and Bolts of Family Law Pro Bono recruitment seminar and takes on trending topics to teach others about the latest areas of the law. “We think he is amazing. In fact our staff attorneys consider him one of the kindest and most professional opposing counsels when encountering him in court.” #ProBonoHero |
| John Joyce of Dean Ringers Morgan & Lawton has been doing pro bono Guardian ad Litem Cases for 30 years. In that time, he has taken 33 cases advocating for the best interests of 74 children. He has reported 700 hours on these cases. He currently has 4 open cases, one of which has been open and active since 2019. Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association staff says, “John has worked on GAL cases with multiple siblings. Sometimes these cases are the most demanding as the children could be in three or more different placements, but John always comes through for them!” |
| Kristin Padgett of Holland & Knight is a #ProBonoHero because she treats every case like it’s the only one that matters. Since 2016, she has represented youth in 16 dependency and delinquency cases for Crossroads For Florida Kids across Hillsborough County, logging over 635 hours along the way. “I think we have a responsibility,” she says, “to help the poor and less fortunate.” That belief shows in how she works: she visits her clients, listens to their concerns, and fights for them without holding back, while also mentoring other attorneys through their first cases. Those who know her describe watching a child’s face light up the moment Kristin walks into the room, the kind of reaction that only comes from real trust. #ProBonoMonth |
| Angela Pagán is a true pro bono hero in Palm Beach County, where her pro bono work and community involvement is truly heroic. She is a regular volunteer with the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County’s Advance Directive Clinic where she has donated her Saturday mornings helping countless needy families, with a great attitude that brings joy to a heartwarming event. She is a years-long member of the 15th Judicial Circuit’s Pro Bono Committee. Additionally, Ms. Pagán has also served as a volunteer Guardian Advocate for Baker Act cases in the 15th Judicial Circuit since 2012. |
| Elizabeth Plummer of Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. stepped foot into the world of Guardian ad Litem in 2015 and has never looked back. She has accepted 9 GAL cases that represent advocacy on behalf of 24 children. She has reported over 432 pro bono hours. She currently has 2 open cases. One of her GAL assignments spanned 4 years and over 137 hours to complete. Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association staff says, “Elizabeth is frighteningly precise in everything she does, yet she is absolutely charming. Her GAL children get the highest level of advocacy there is!” |
| Legal Aid Service of Broward County says that Chad Pugatch of Lorium Law is one of their most dedicated pro bono attorneys and has made a significant impact in the lives of many clients. Through his advocacy, dedication, and willingness to assist those in need, Mr. Pugatch has helped several clients resolve substantial debt, giving them the opportunity to move forward free from overwhelming financial burdens. He consistently goes above and beyond to achieve positive outcomes for those he represents. His work has resulted in remarkable financial benefits for individuals, ranging from $136,608 to $445,502. Beyond the significant monetary impact of these outcomes, his assistance has provided clients with meaningful relief and the opportunity to regain financial stability and peace of mind. #ProBonoHero |
| David M. Rogero of Rogero Law is a true #ProBonoHero whose commitment to service spans more than three decades, says Dade Legal Aid. Although his principal practice is intellectual property law, David has repeatedly stepped outside his practice area to serve vulnerable children and families as a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem and Attorney ad Litem. He has also used his business and intellectual property expertise to assist nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and small businesses through Dade Legal Aid/Put Something Back. After nearly 50 years in practice, David continues to give his time and talents to those who otherwise might not have access to legal representation. His extraordinary dedication exemplifies the very best of the legal profession. |
| Suzette L. Russomanno, a partner at Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel, LLP, is an outstanding pro bono attorney with Dade Legal Aid who accepted the case of twin sisters through the Child Advocacy Project. The twins recently turned 18 years old. Throughout her representation, Suzette remained present, active, and engaged, staying informed and prepared for any issues that arose, says Dade Legal Aid. She provided incredible insight, offering creative solutions, fiercely advocating to promote normalcy and exposure to enriching experiences in their lives. Through compassionate, unwavering advocacy, Suzette has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of these two young adults. #ProBonoHero |
| Sahil Patel became an attorney in 2024, and he immediately jumped into pro bono work. He has taken on 21 chapter 7 bankruptcies, conducted 2 outreach speaking events where he advised 9 clients, and he has begun training Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association staff attorneys in the use of bankruptcy software. Sahil has donated over 75 hours of service so far. Sahil says that “there is a certain joy in helping others and as legal professionals, we are benefitted with superpowers that essentially require us to help those in need. Just one hour of an attorney’s time can change the path for others.” |
| Justin Virzi of Kubicki Draper recently assisted the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County in an advisory capacity to a complex matter. A young attorney with many responsibilities in his practice and local bar association committees, Mr. Virzi took time out of his busy schedule this spring for a pro bono matter that had proven very challenging. The client he assisted was delighted with his assistance, his professionalism and his compassion. Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County is grateful to have this up and coming lawyer as a member of their community. |