For More Than 12 Years, Our Pro Bono Service Centers On Assisting Abused Children In Need

I never met my grandfather. He was an eye doctor in New York, and he died of a heart attack in the 1940s. I only know him from the stories my father has told me over the years, and from old pictures that show a distinguished gentlemen, always in a suit, always with hair combed neatly front to back.

I think there is one characteristic in me that was in him. Well, maybe two. My father told me he was not such a good businessman in running his medical practice. He didn't charge the going rate, and when he did charge, he often charged for less than the total amount of time he spent with patients. I guess some people would call that being a bad businessman. But you can't take it with you.

The other characteristic is that he did a lot of free work for patients in need. You have to understand that he was a practicing physician in the Great Depression, so he was not unique in that regard. It was just something physicians did.

I would have loved the opportunity to discuss this part of his practice with him. What did he think about doing this? What are some of the memories he had of the people he helped? Was it a calling from him?

I've been a lawyer for 17 years now. My philosophy that has been shaped over the years is that lawyers should serve. They should serve others. They should serve the community. And they should be humble when doing so.

Since 1999, my pro bono service has centered on working on behalf of children who have alleged sexual and physical abuse. It has been centered on working for people and organizations that assist these children, and their non-offending caregivers who need enormous amounts of support.

For these 12 years, it has been pro bono because it's what I want to do. And even if I wanted to charge a customary fee, which I don't, I know that these people and organizations who assist abused children cannot afford it. The people and organizations who I assist pro bono are usually private, non-profit programs that have dedicated professionals who work long, hard, and tirelessly, because it is in their heart to do so. The amazing thing to me is that they are so grateful for the work I do for them, when I know that the work I do pales in comparison to the work they do for the children and their communities.

But my pro bono service has rewards, and I'm not talking about financial. Because of the work over the years in Georgia, I've been able to travel around the U.S. and talk to people who work for organizations that assist abused children, and speak at their trainings. Every corner of the United States deals with child abuse, and it covers all cross-sections of our society. It is an incredible experience to see how these child advocates work here in Georgia, and all over our great country. I'll continue to do this until I retire, whenever that day will come. This work is more than pro bono -- it's a calling.