Q & A
with Blank Rome ' s Stacy D. Phillips about the impact of her pro bono work.
Q & A with Paul H. Tzur about his growth through pro bono work.
Stacy D. Phillips is a Matrimonial & Family Law attorney in our Los Angeles office.
Can you share a specific pro bono case that had a lasting impact on you? We represented the biological aunt of a young boy whose life had been profoundly affected by tragedy. After the boy’ s mother committed a violent crime, his father— who was struggling with substance abuse— was unable to provide stable care. The father and the child moved in with the father’ s cousin( the boy’ s aunt) and her mother( the boy’ s great aunt). The aunt became the child’ s de facto mother, offering him love, stability, and consistency.
When the father later attempted to remove the boy from her care after moving in with his girlfriend, we advocated on behalf of the boy’ s aunt, despite her lacking legal parental rights. Although we recognized that our court motion faced significant legal hurdles, we successfully initiated a mediation with a retired judge. This process led to a shared custody arrangement that preserved our client’ s vital role in the child’ s life. Our team worked diligently to protect the child’ s best interests, ensuring he could maintain a nurturing maternal relationship while also preserving his bond with his father.
In what ways has your pro bono work influenced your perspective on your other legal work? I became a lawyer because everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial means. As Chair of the Board of Public Counsel— the largest public interest law firm in the nation— I have the privilege of advancing this mission by promoting pro bono work and expanding legal access to underserved communities.
What advice would you give young attorneys who are just getting started in their pro bono practice? I was raised with the belief that“ if you do well, you have to do good,” a principle that now defines both my personal values and my law practice. I believe that stepping beyond the boundaries of your typical legal work to support those without access to legal resources is not only a moral imperative, but also essential to your growth as an attorney.
What role do you think pro bono plays in shaping the culture of our firm? One of the main pillars of Blank Rome’ s culture is its unwavering commitment to pro bono work, a value that played a significant role in my decision to join the firm. From the outset, Blank Rome has emphasized that pro bono service is not only encouraged but is considered an essential aspect of legal practice. It reflects our responsibility as lawyers to give back to the community and uphold justice for those who may not otherwise have access to legal representation.
Paul H. Tzur is a White Collar Defense & Investigations attorney in our Chicago office.
How has your pro bono work contributed to your professional skillset? My pro bono work, focused on criminal appeals for indigent defendants, has sharpened my appellate advocacy skills, something I have practiced throughout my career. It is also a powerful reminder of the human side of the law, which can sometimes get lost in day-to-day work. Additionally, supervising these cases has allowed me to mentor associates and benefit from their fresh perspectives.
Can you describe a moment in your pro bono work that was particularly rewarding or challenging? One standout moment was working with Alex Hassid on a Seventh Circuit appeal. He argued the case under intense pressure, while facing tough questioning from the former chief justice right out of the gate. He handled it with incredible poise, and ultimately won a full reversal, securing our client’ s release from prison. Partnering with Alex through that experience was profoundly rewarding.
How has your pro bono experience affected your connection to the community or your sense of purpose as a lawyer? As a former prosecutor, I care deeply about ensuring that law enforcement and prosecutors uphold constitutional rights. My pro bono work across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin reinforces that commitment. It is not just rewarding, it is necessary to help safeguard against overreach and protect individual liberties.
Is there a lesson or value you have taken from your pro bono work that you carry into your everyday practice? Pro bono work is a constant reminder of the human impact of the law. While much of my practice involves corporate matters, these cases bring me back to the core values of justice and constitutional rights. That perspective grounds and enriches my broader legal work.
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