Championing Justice

Our firm’s century-long commitment to helping those in need and advancing justice is at the heart of our mission. It’s an important part of who we are, what we do, what we believe in and what we value.

Since the firm's founding in 1925, our philosophy has been to give back in ways that make a meaningful difference to those who need it most in the communities where we work and live. Known for building strong relationships based on trust and compassion and achieving positive outcomes in our pro bono undertakings, our firm dedicates the necessary resources to help enable their success.

We recognize the growing severity of unmet legal needs in the communities we serve and are mindful that major law firms like ours must, in the finest traditions of our profession, play a leading role in addressing these needs. In addition to direct avenues of receiving pro bono matters, the firm maintains long-standing partnerships with legal services organizations, including regional legal aid organizations, state and federal bar associations, the Governor's GI Initiative, and others.

Through our pro bono work, we assist diverse individuals and communities, including the indigent, those of limited means without access to legal services, and nonprofit organizations.

Our Work

Recent examples of pro bono matters Gunster attorneys have undertaken for those in need include:

• Access to justice
• Housing and land use matters
• Access to health care or health treatment
• Litigation assistance
• Access to family
• Hurricane and other disaster relief efforts
• Veterans’ issues
• Guardianship of persons not otherwise able to care for themselves
• Access to sustenance and fulfillment of other basic needs
• Immigration
• Court appointment and Court requested assistance on civil rights matters

Recognition

Gunster attorneys have been recognized for outstanding pro bono work by the American Bar Association and other organizations and Legal Services of Greater Miami welcomed Gunster to its Leadership Circle, in recognition of our commitment to providing pro bono legal services to low-income residents of Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. 

Pro Bono Policy, Committee and Commitment

The firm's commitment to pro bono work is a hallmark of our public service philosophy and firm culture. Our formal Pro Bono Policy encourages all firm attorneys and recruits to match their interests and passions to charitable endeavors, causes and legal opportunities in their communities, and we provide billable hours credit to all attorneys for their pro bono work.

Co-chaired by shareholders Sarah Lea Tobocman and David Wells, Gunster’s Pro Bono Committee is composed of shareholders, associates and business professionals throughout the firm committed to serving public interest needs. To learn more about pro bono opportunities or if you have questions, please contact Community Relations and CRM Director Maureen Jaeger.

Pro Bono Highlights

Assisting a Disabled Veteran in an HOA Dispute
Gunster attorney Greg Schwinghammer along with attorneys Milton Vescovacci, Tom Fleming, and Frank Florio, secured a pro bono victory for a disabled ex-Air Force veteran embroiled in a legal dispute with her homeowner's association (HOA) over a reasonable accommodation request. The HOA resisted the request for a dog waste station installation and demanded intrusive medical records, which the client eventually provided. The client had filed complaints with the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) alleging discrimination and retaliation, which led to public harassment and isolation. The Gunster team presented evidence to the FCHR that the HOA had improperly disclosed the client's medical records, violating Florida Privacy Laws. The FCHR found reasonable cause for discriminatory practices and retaliation, allowing the client to refer the matter to the State Attorney General and consider further civil action.

Ensuring a Home for Southeast Florida’s Vulnerable Children
Miami-Dade County, including the Mayor and Chairman of the County Commission, had prepared to oust His House Children’s Home from public land it leased for decades to make room for a lucrative redevelopment project. Facing a 180-day eviction notice with nowhere to go and no resources for relocation, His House, a nonprofit focused on housing and restoring the lives of children in foster care with hope and healing, called on Gunster for help. Led by Gunster Shareholder Amy Brigham Boulris, the Gunster team sprang into action, turning the tide, dispelling false rumors about His House as an operator and transforming the Mayor into a staunch His House advocate. As a result of Gunster’s efforts, the Commission adopted a resolution requiring the developer to make room in the redevelopment area for a new His House campus with millions in relocation assistance from the county and the redeveloper.

Reuniting a Mother With Her Children
Gunster attorney Derek Mountford represented an indigent mother of two children in an action brought by the children’s father under the Hague Convention. When a case is brought under the Hague Convention, it usually means one parent thought the situation at home was so bad that the only option was fleeing the country. The Gunster team was able to negotiate the return of the minor daughter who was being held in the U.S., arrange for contact between the mother and her son in Australia, and find the mother Australian representation to resolve ongoing family law issues in that country.

Helping an Indigent Widow to Get Her Fire-Damaged Home Rebuilt
Gunster’s Derek Mountford and Tadd Blair represented an indigent widow in Duval County following a dispute with a contractor. The client’s home was destroyed in a fire and the contractor hired to make the repairs breached the agreement and kept over $80,000 needed for repairs. The Gunster team was able to negotiate a settlement with the contractor and assist the client in finding a replacement contractor so her house could be rebuilt, and she could move back in.