Van Horn Law Group Pro Bono Honor Program at NSU Law

Student and Alumni Experience

• 

  Anna C. Koontz

  NSU Law Class of 2023

  Pro bono service for The Innocence Project Florida

  “Not everyone can afford legal representation, but everyone deserves to be helped when they have been wronged. At the very least, pro bono work makes you feel as if you made a difference … Oftentimes, pro bono work involves people who are in the darkest hours of their lives, and just being willing to help, and not worrying about the money, is an incredibly fulfilling feeling.”
• 

  Alfred Tahmasian

  NSU Law Student

  Pro bono service for Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County

  “Pro bono work is important because being a lawyer comes with power, and very few in our society are privileged enough to hold that power. Giving back to those in need leaves the human spirit with a sense of gratification and fulfills our duty to mankind.”
• 

  Jose Cortez

  NSU Law Student

  Pro bono service in the Career Criminal Unit at The Office of the State Attorney, 17th Judicial Circuit in Broward County.

  “I was engaged in a multifaceted role, dedicated to meticulous reviews and analyses of case files, court records, case evidence and trial transcripts. I adeptly identified key information and potential issues to bolster case strategies.”
• 

  Summer Hetherton

  NSU Law Student

  Pro bono service for Florida Legal Services.

  “I chose Florida Legal Services because I have a passion for giving a voice to the voiceless individuals of our community. This pro bono position enabled me to work with various attorneys and paralegals to help low-income individuals with family law and domestic violence cases. I had the opportunity to advocate primarily for domestic abuse survivors. I conducted advanced legal research, attended mediations, drafted legal motions, organized and reviewed discovery responses, and worked with clients to review and help their cases.”
• 

  Breana Sause

  NSU Law Student

  Pro bono service for the Department of Children and Families and the Disability Inclusion and Advocacy (DIAL) Clinic

  “Pro bono work allows students like me to engage in meaningful legal work that goes beyond academic learning. Pro bono work not only benefits the individuals directly involved but also contributes to the broader goal of creating a more just and equitable society.”
• 

  Violette Bishai

  Broward County Assistant State Attorney

  “During my pro bono service experience, I quickly came to the realization that work in the public sector was about the significance of the small ripple effects in the long run. This helped shape my ultimate decision to work at the State Attorney’s Office post grad and to accept a federal clerkship Summer of 2024 because I got to see first-hand the impact I could have on the community, and in turn, the impact that had on me as a person”