As we roll into summer, it brings to mind all the children and families that will enjoy a few weeks of vacationing and being together to enjoy each other and time away from the norm.  But, those who have worked with The Project know that sometimes family isn't quite such a pleasant experience, and family law continues to be a significant part of The Project's caseload.

 

     To that end, we are featuring a wonderful story about a persistent father, along with the volunteer attorneys who helped him get the Christmas present of a lifetime.   

 

     And, speaking of pro bono on behalf of families, we want to offer applause to the many attorneys and firms that were part of the Louisiana State Bar Association's (LSBA) Pro Bono and Children's Awards held at the Louisiana Supreme Court on May 29, 2012.  Receiving the Pro Bono Publico Award were several of our volunteer firms and solo practioners, among them Adams & Reese LLP and attorneys Michael Duplantier, Matthew Livaccari, Barbara Siefken and Sean Sullivan. As well, kudos to our long time volunteer, Patricia Krebs, Louisiana Bar Foundation President, who offered comments and presented the Law Student Pro Bono Awards. For details and photos: LSBA   

 

     As well, congratulations also go out to the 2012-2013 officers of the LSBA, recently installed at the annual conference in Destin, FL.  Hats off to John H Musser, IV, the new LSBA President, and one of our solo practitioner volunteers. We also want to celebrate with Board member, John 'Eddie' McAuliffe, Jr., who received one of five President's Awards given at the conference for his service to the LSBA and the attorneys, legal professionals and organizations it serves. Eddie serves as the New Orleans Bar Association's (NOBA) designee on The Project's Board. For details: LSBA 

 

     Finally, in the words of newly elected LSBA President John Musser, as he declared this as "The Year of the Solo", we want to remind you that you can go solo too with an individual contribution directly to The Project through Louisiana Giving/Just Give.  Feel free to designate which program you want your funds to go to, or give in honor or remembrance of someone. As well, you can also designate your solo United Way donation for The Project -- simply name 'The Pro Bono Project' on your pledge form or provide our agency number 1087220.  

 

     As always, thank you for continued support and here's to 'the year of the solo.'  Happy summer, all! 
 

All the best,

Rachel  

Rachel Piercey  

Executive Director 

  

PS -- Spread the word about The Pro Bono Project by using the new social media buttons and connect this newsletter to your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or other social media page. Thanks!                               

     There's nothing like being 'home for the holidays' -- whether it's Christmas or July 4th.  In a hard-fought custody case, volunteer attorneys, Jamie Berger and Jimmy Michaels of Barrasso Usdin made sure that this Father's Day, their pro bono client would be celebrating with his son by his side.

     Interestingly, neither attorney had any experience in family law with

Jamie Berger

Jimmy admitted to the Bar only two weeks prior to the trial and Jamie coming back from a pre-Christmas vacation to take the lead in the case.

     Both attorneys could have coasted quietly through the holidays and into the new year. Instead they chose to get involved, and in doing so became embroiled in a nasty dispute between the child's grandmother and father over custody.

     After the young boy's mother tragically passed away, the child's maternal grandmother claimed their pro bono client was not the child's father, and obtained a temporary custody order.

Jimmy Michaels

The grandmother picked the boy up at school the same day, and the father was denied the right to see his son.  

 

     The grandmother then filed a petition to gain full and permanent custody of the boy, and the father contacted The Project for assistance. The Project brought Jamie and Jimmy together with the client and they took the case on his behalf.  

 

     After a day-long trial, the Court granted the client full and permanent custody, declaring him the boy's biological father. The child was returned to the father just in time to celebrate Christmas and New Year's, and now Father's Day at home.  Perhaps, there is a Santa after all!  

 

     "It was a real thrill being able to actively participate in the trial and an even bigger thrill when the judge granted our client full custody of his son," said Jimmy about his first foray into pro bono Family Law.  

     Not all cases are this complex or intense, but the willingness of Jamie and Jimmy to venture into an area of the law that's not their practice area is what makes this kind of effort so special and rewarding for both our clients and volunteer attorneys.  

 

     With the guidance of The Project's staff, Board members and others, taking on a Family Law case -- even when it's not your area -- can be filled with joy and satisfaction at having used your legal skills well.

 

     Our special thanks to Barrasso Usdin for their continuing commitment of time, talent and financial support to The Pro Bono Project, and to their recognition of the importance of pro bono service to the metropolitan community.  

 

     For more information or to take on a case in Family Law or any of the other practice areas available, please contact Linton Carney at 504.581.4043 x 207.