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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Kelly Ayers, Vice Chair of the Pro Bono Committee, awards presentations, a congratulatory video from Mayor Jane Castor, and closing remarks from Judge DePaul.
Distinguished awards were presented for outstanding pro bono service to: Jessica Figueroa( Paralegal), Hillsborough County Bar Association Criminal Law Section( Organization), Carlton Fields, P. A.( Law Firm), Richard Anderson II( Young Lawyer), Heather Lee( Lawyer), and George Melendez( Jimmy Kynes).
Outstanding Pro Bono Service By A Paralegal: Jessica Figueroa
Jessica Figueroa is a paralegal at Paul Figueroa Law in Tampa. Ms. Figueroa has provided five consecutive years of pro bono paralegal service to Crossroads For Florida Kids, Inc. In 2025, she contributed over 70 hours of pro bono service, supporting some of the most vulnerable youth in Hillsborough County. Through Crossroads, Ms. Figueroa has aided children and youth, including older teens and young adults who have aged out of foster care in matters involving mental health needs, family instability, and urgent delinquency issues requiring immediate attorney ad litem appointment.
Ms. Figueroa’ s commitment to service predates her formal paralegal work. For many years she assisted with community service documentation, treatment coordination, and mitigation support for indigent clients. Her contributions reflect a deep and enduring dedication to ensuring that young people facing instability, trauma, and mental health concerns receive the advocacy and care they deserve.
Ms. Figueroa’ s service is defined by reliability, compassion, and a willingness to help whenever she is needed. She offers a classic example of pro bono service and has become an indispensable part of Crossroads’ ability to meet the needs of the youth and families they serve.
Outstanding Pro Bono Service By An Organization: HCBA Criminal Law Section
In 2025, the Hillsborough County Bar Association’ s Criminal Law Section presented an expungement clinic to help the community navigate the sometimes complex and confusing expungement process. Under the leadership of Justin Petredis and Amy Cassanova-Ward, the event was conducted in partnership with the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association and supported by numerous community partners, including the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Clerk’ s Office, Office of the Public Defender, State Attorney’ s Office, and Tampa Police Department. Additional support was provided by Bay Area Legal Services, notaries, and approximately 90 volunteers, including Stetson law students.
Volunteers were paired with participants to guide them through the hour-long application process using organized checklists and streamlined forms. All volunteers received pro bono credit. About 60 individuals from the public attended the clinic, and 26 were able to successfully complete the first part of the expungement
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J U LY- A U G 2 0 2 6 | H C B A L A W Y E R
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