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Of Counsel - Florida Law
Bono Fide - Florida's Pro Bono Stars
The Bar is pushing attorneys to donate more hours, but the going is slow.
Rebecca L. Sosa, 29
Associate - Hughes Hubbard & Reed - Miami
Honor: Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Pro Bono Service Award
Pro Bono Work: Sosa, who handles civil litigation cases for her firm, has contributed more than 1,000 hours since 2010, focusing on helping low-income women, children and immigrants. She also recruits and arranges training for Hughes Hubbard attorneys to take on immigration cases from Catholic Charities of Greater Miami.
Motivation: “The law is a powerful tool in bringing a voice to the oppressed. When you have a client depending on you to do nothing short of change her life, a late night at the office is nothing. Of course, you do it.”
Jeannine S. Williams, 38
Assistant City Attorney - St. Petersburg
Honor: Pro Bono Service Award, 6th Judicial Circuit
Pro Bono Work: Williams, whose work for the city includes employment law, contracts, workers’ comp and public records, has volunteered for Pinellas County’s Community Law Program since she went to work for the city 12 years ago. She has donated more than 350 hours answering legal questions, offering legal guidance and helping clients fill out legal forms.
Motivation: “To me, it’s paying it forward, giving back, whatever you want to call it. It’s important for each person to be able to give of their talents. I feel blessed that I’m able to be a lawyer and able to use the resources that God has given to me to be able to pass that on to someone else.”
Frederick J. Gant, 59
Sole Practitioner - Pensacola
Honor: Pro Bono Service Award, 1st Judicial Circuit
Pro Bono Work: At his Pensacola practice, Gant handles a variety of cases, including family law, probate, wills and estates, criminal, civil and personal injury. His pro bono work has been just as varied, including writing letters to bill collectors to get them to stop harassing some of his elderly clients.
Motivation: “It’s a function of being involved in the community and understanding the community’s needs. This is my hometown. People know me. If you do good, good will come to you. That’s my motto.”
