Pro Bono Heroes: Making a difference for Florida’s most vulnerable children
No matter how they volunteer their time and talent, every pro bono attorney makes a marked difference in the life of child
Pro bono attorneys make a difference in their communities every single day. Currently, hundreds of Florida attorneys volunteer their time as pro bono attorneys with the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office representing abused, abandoned, and neglected children. These pro bono attorneys are a vital part of the team. Their passion, coupled with legal skills, work to help the most vulnerable children in our state find stability and achieve the best possible outcomes.
The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office represents children as they navigate dependency court. Pro bono attorneys who work with the office use their legal expertise in a variety of ways. Some serve as co-counsel in trial court proceedings; others might write appellate briefs, telling the child’s story on appeal. Pro bono attorneys can also mentor older teens in foster care, giving them the support and guidance they need as they move into adulthood, and serve as Guardian ad Litem volunteers, creating one-on-one relationships that enhance a child’s representation. No matter how they volunteer their time and talent, every pro bono attorney makes a marked difference in the life of a child.
The pro bono attorneys who dedicate their time and skills are heroes, especially to the children they work with. A pro bono attorney in the sixth circuit, Russell “Jake” Dewberry, has forever changed the lives of the children he works with. He serves as co-counsel in a dependency case, striving to help five siblings achieve what every child deserves – a safe permanent home. Three of the five siblings are now in a pre-adoptive home. For the two older siblings, Jake has stepped up to become their mentor, determined to assist them as they venture into independence. One brother has an interest in flying. Jake took him to tour flight mechanic schools, so he could turn his passion into a possible career. Jake is the person the two brothers turn to when they want to talk or need guidance. He uses his skills and experience not only to advocate for them in court, but to teach them how to advocate for themselves in life.
Working with the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office can be a life-changing experience for the attorney, too. Mark Hamilton, who has volunteered as a Guardian ad Litem for over 10 years, has helped represent 12 children of all ages, from babies to teenagers. Serving as a Guardian ad Litem volunteer has been very rewarding for Mark, he says, because it has given him the opportunity to assist children through some of the most difficult times of their lives. Mark enjoys being part of the Guardian ad Litem multidisciplinary team, which includes a staff attorney and child welfare professional, in addition to a volunteer or pro bono attorney. Whether determining a suitable placement or helping a teenager who is aging out secure a bed for their new place, Mark wants to help kids. He acknowledges that, sometimes, the most valuable part of being a Guardian ad Litem volunteer is just being there to listen to the child, caregiver, or parent.
The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office provides flexible opportunities so that all attorneys can make a difference. Appellate attorneys and those who enjoy legal writing can change a child’s life through an opportunity called Defending Best Interests, which allows pro bono attorneys to represent children in appeals and craft answer briefs to help achieve permanency.
Carly Stein, a Tampa attorney, has represented over 50 children on appeal, telling their stories and helping them get one step closer to a safe, secure home and future. She joined six years ago, wanting to make a difference. With the support of the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office Appellate Team, Carly has developed in-depth knowledge of dependency law, which she uses regularly to passionately advocate for the children she represents in her appeals.
Thanks to the Florida Supreme Court, as of December 30, 2024, these attorneys can begin to earn Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits for their pro bono work, in addition to making a remarkable difference in children’s lives. The recently enacted amendment to Florida Bar Rule 6-10.3 allows attorneys to earn up to five CLE hours every three-year reporting period by providing pro bono legal services. This innovative way to earn CLEs allows attorneys to further their practice and meet their Florida Bar obligations, while impacting the lives of children. This new offering provides additional encouragement to attorneys to reach out to help in their community, potentially in unfamiliar areas of law. Pro bono service offers attorneys the opportunity to continue to learn new areas of law and hone their skills, and the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office is committed to providing the support and knowledge of our legal staff to help pro bono attorneys feel comfortable and competent representing and supporting dependent children.
With the continued support of pro bono heroes like Jake, Mark, and Carly, the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office looks forward to continuing to change the lives of Florida’s most vulnerable children. Together, we can make a better future for them and our community. To learn more about the pro bono opportunities the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office has to offer, please visit www.guardianadlitem.org
Ericka Sanchez, pro bono coordinator with the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office, co-wrote this column with the assistance of other GAL staff members.
