S P E C I A L F E A T U r E: P r O B O n O A W A r D S Authors: Antina Mobley – Hillsborough County Public Defender’ s Office & Tori Simmons – Hill Ward Henderson
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recommendations in the children’ s best interests. She is also part of the gAL’ s rapid response Team, a Master gAL, and a mentor to new gALs. In the community Ms. Serrano has participated in the great American Teach-In, sharing her knowledge and experience with students interested in legal occupations and Wills for Heroes, assisting first responders with wills and estate planning documents. Ms. Serrano’ s dedication and motivation is immeasurable.
Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Law Firm: Holland & Knight LLP
Holland & Knight LLP is a global, full-service law firm with more than 2,200 lawyers in 34 offices, globally. The Tampa office is comprised of 65 attorneys. Holland & Knight has made pro bono work a cornerstone of its culture for over 20 years. As Executive Partner Brad Kimbro notes,“ Pro bono work and community service is woven into the fabric of our practice.” In 2024, the Tampa office contributed 2,457 pro bono hours working on 96 different matters including: Hague Convention litigation, real estate work for a non-profit community center, the American Bar Association’ s legal advice clinic( helping domestic violence victims seeking restraining orders), the Middle District of Florida’ s re-entry program( assisting non-violent offenders re-enter society), and representing Afghan asylum seekers. Holland & Knight has also supported Crossroads for Florida Kids since its founding in 2012, with 14 attorneys representing 29 children and young adults in Hillsborough County dependency and delinquency cases.
Outstanding Pro Bono Service by an Organization: Tampa Bay Hispanic Bar Association
Tampa Hispanic Bar Association(“ THBA”) was formed in 2006 by Hispanic attorneys to bring together professionals with a passion and commitment to preserve the integrity of the legal system and provide assistance to the underserved Hispanic community. One of the ways that the THBA helps the underserved Hispanic community is through providing pro bono legal services. As part of that effort, the THBA has a program called“ Los Talleres,” which informs Hispanic community of legal topics of great importance by providing informative videos presented by experienced attorneys annual“ Ask a Lawyer” event where members gave free legal advice to the community in areas of immigration, family, criminal, and landlord / tenant law. Additionally, in response to the recent hurricanes in 2024, the THBA hosted an“ After the Hurricanes: Know Your rights” event, where they provided community members with important information on topics such as property insurance, flood insurance, tenants’ rights, and more. Through its work, the THBA is providing an invaluable service by educating members of the underserved Hispanic community about their rights and common legal problems.
The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee commends the extraordinary service of the award recipients. n
Authors: Antina Mobley – Hillsborough County Public Defender’ s Office & Tori Simmons – Hill Ward Henderson
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