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Courageous Conversation: Taking Action on Criminal Justice Reform

Release Date: 04/13/2021

Leadership and Legacy: How Pro Bono Work Shapes Greenberg Traurig’s Culture, Careers, and Client Relationships

Good In Practice

In this special relaunch episode of the Good in Practice podcast, Caroline Heller, Chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Global Pro Bono Program, sits down with GT CEO Brian Duffy to explore the heart and impact of pro bono work at the firm. Together, they discuss Greenberg Traurig’s unique philosophy of giving back, emphasizing how pro bono service is not only an obligation but also a privilege and a core value that strengthens the firm’s culture. Brian shares personal stories from his early legal career, highlighting how pro bono matters accelerate associate development, build confidence,...

A U.S. Military Family Reunited

Good In Practice

In this episode, Caroline speaks to Shareholder Jennifer A. Surprenant and Associate Ryan Foreman about how they helped an active member of the U.S. military obtain more access to his child. The group discusses how distance due to station locations can affect parent-child relationships and how the possibility of deployment affects custody decisions.

2,500 miles apart: Two GT offices reunite child with custodial grandmother

Good In Practice

In this episode, Caroline speaks to Michael R. Sklaire, Jacob D. Bundickeg, Shirin Afsous, and Christian T. Spaulding about how they helped reunite a grandmother in Washington, D.C. with her 10 year old granddaughter. The group discusses the complexities of working with clients in two different states on a deadline and how, because of Greenberg Traurig’s global presence, we were able to help.

Honoring Those Who Served with Pro Bono Service

Good In Practice

In honor of Veterans Day, Caroline speaks with Greenberg Traurig’s Adam Siegler, of counsel in the firm’s Los Angeles office and its co-pro bono coordinator, veteran, and founder of Greenberg Traurig’s Military & Veterans Program. They discuss Siegler’s work with both veterans and active military members as well as his own service and why it is so important to him to continue to give back to those who served our country.

There’s No Place like HomeSafe

Good In Practice

In this episode, Caroline speaks to Matthew Ladika, CEO of The Children’s Place at HomeSafe, David M. Layman, a shareholder in the firm’s West Palm Beach office, and Elliot Scherker, a Shareholder in the firm’s Miami office. They discuss HomeSafe’s origins and how it developed into an organization that helps young victims of abuse and domestic violence through prevention and intervention programs.

‘A Different Type of Trauma’: Legal Service for Women Veterans

Good In Practice

In this episode, Caroline continues her conversation with Samantha Kubek, a former Equal Justice Works fellow co-sponsored by GT and Greystone & Co. Inc. Kubek discusses some of the challenges that her clients face when they're applying for veterans benefits, how she practices self-care, and long-term efforts in the Senate to pass the Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act, legislation designed to reshape the manner in which the U.S. military prosecutes sexual assault within its ranks.

Obtaining Benefits for Veterans Who Are Survivors of Sexual Assault During Service (part 1)

Good In Practice

In this episode, Caroline talks to Samantha Kubek, a former Equal Justice Works (EJW) fellow co-sponsored by GT and Greystone & Co. Inc., and current visiting assistant clinical professor and director of Robert W. Entenmann Veterans Law Clinic at Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. Kubek discusses the importance of relating to and establishing trust with her veteran clients, and the extraordinary effect an award of benefits can have to a veteran and their family.

You Can’t Put a Price on It: An Unaccompanied Minor’s Path to Citizenship

Good In Practice

Caroline talks to GT Shareholder Jennifer Tomsen and her client, Oscar, an unaccompanied minor from Honduras for whom Jennifer obtained a green card. Oscar discusses his life in Honduras, why he fled to the United States to be with his mother when he was 17 years old, and how he acclimated to his new life. Tomsen discusses the lengthy step-by-step process and barriers along the way of attaining legal residency for young refugees, and the joy of successfully helping a child find safety in the United States.

This is always who I’ve been: The Importance of Pro Bono Name Changes in the Trans Community (Part 2)

Good In Practice

In this episode, Caroline continues the conversation with Greenberg Traurig Associate and Atlanta Office Pro Bono Chair Andrew Z. Smith and Lauren Duncan, one of Smith’s pro bono clients. They discuss the difference between transgender individuals legally changing their name and changing their gender identification markers, access and barriers to comprehensive medical care, and the importance of transgender visibility in media.

This is always who I’ve been: The Importance of Pro Bono Name Changes in the Trans Community (Part 1)

Good In Practice

In this episode, we talk with Greenberg Traurig Associate and Atlanta Office Pro Bono Chair Andrew Z. Smith about his pro bono work assisting transgender individuals legally change their names. They are joined by Lauren Duncan, one of Andrew’s pro bono clients, and discuss Lauren’s decision to legally change her name, as well as the legal process and the practical and emotional aspects of Lauren’s decision.

More Episodes

This episode features the President/CEO of Unincarcerated Minds, Inc. Bobby Harris; Greenberg Traurig Government Law & Policy Shareholder Karen M. Kennard; and Caroline Heller who discuss the social issue of criminal justice reform as it relates to wrongful convictions and rehabilitation of the incarcerated. Moderated by Greenberg Traurig Shareholder and Chief Diversity Officer Nikki Lewis Simon, the group discusses ideas for tangible actions that can be taken through legal pro bono work and more to create lasting impact.

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