Shutts & Bowen celebrates pro bono month with statewide service initiatives
Shutts & Bowen’s Miami office hosted an educational Pro Bono Month celebration and panel discussion featuring Chief Judge Laurel M. Isicoff of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida and Stephanie Grosman of Dade Legal Aid, followed by a networking reception.
In recognition of Pro Bono Month on October, Shutts & Bowen engaged in multiple community service events across its Florida offices.
From food drives and school partnerships to legal education and advocacy, Shutts employees united in service to those in need. The firm’s Pro Bono Committee, co-chaired by Ella Shenhav and Michael Gore, coordinated efforts that reflected the form’s culture of giving back.
“Pro Bono Month reminds us that every act of service, whether through our legal skills or through community outreach, has the power to transform lives,” said Shenhav. “I am truly proud of how our offices came together [last] month to give their time, resources and compassion to support Floridians in need.”
Highlights included:
• West Palm Beach: Attorneys and staff organized a food drive benefiting the Palm Beach County Food Bank, collecting 815 pounds of food, enough to provide more than 679 nutritious meals to local families, children, seniors, and individuals in need.
• Ft. Lauderdale: The office hosted an in-office volunteer event in partnership with Ranger Good Works, assembling more than 50 bags of essentials and treats for underprivileged families from Dillard Elementary School.
• Tallahassee: The office partnered with the new First Amendment Clinic at Florida State University, founded by former Shutts attorney Denise Harle, to support pro bono litigation advancing free speech and religious liberty issues.
• Tampa: The team coordinated a “Dunk for a Cause” fundraiser on October 16, combining fun and philanthropy. The event raised money for breast cancer research and DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) advocacy, with $4,730 raised and 315 pro bono hours pledged.
• Miami: On October 22, the Miami office hosted an educational Pro Bono Month celebration and panel discussion featuring Chief Judge Laurel M. Isicoff of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida and Stephanie Grosman of Dade Legal Aid. The event, moderated by Shutts attorneys Emma Refuveille and Julissa Rodriguez, explored the importance of pro bono service and opportunities through the Business Law Section’s Pro Bono Committee and Dade Legal Aid’s Put Something Back Project, followed by a networking reception.
“As we close out Pro Bono Month, we extend our gratitude to every Shutts attorney and staff member who contributed to these initiatives,” Shenhav said. “Our collective efforts this October reflect what we stand for year-round – using our talents to serve and strengthen our communities.”
