Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 HVL Pro Bono Awards. These awards were given to outstanding law firms, legal departments, and individuals in recognition of their outstanding pro bono work performed during 2024. The awards were presented at the Houston Bar Foundation Annual Luncheon on February 13, 2025. Winners were nominated by Houston Volunteer Lawyers and selected by The Houston Bar Association Harris County Bench Bar Pro Bono Awards Committee.
Corporate Law Department – Baker Hughes
In 2024, Baker Hughes made outstanding contributions and demonstrated exceptional leadership and engagement in pro bono services. They joined HVL as an Equal Access to Justice Champion with a commitment to serve four clients, but went above and beyond to exceed their initial commitment by 500%. Baker Hughes also hosted its first-ever will clinic where attorneys and paraprofessionals worked together to serve 20 clients with estate planning needs. In addition to these two new undertakings, the Baker Hughes legal team also donated an impressive 68 hours to HVL initiatives, including the HBA LegalLine and Veterans Clinic.
Large Law Firm – Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Kirkland & Ellis demonstrated extraordinary commitment to pro bono service in 2024, setting a benchmark for large law firms in advancing access to justice. Kirkland & Ellis provided 36 underserved clients with life-changing assistance through pro bono casework. Some of these cases were a result of the firm’s mobilization to increase engagement among colleagues through participation in HVL’s inaugural “Recruit More Boots Challenge”. Outside of case work, Kirkland & Ellis attorneys donated an incredible 262 hours to HVL clinics and sponsored a monthly HBA LegalLine powered by HVL.
Mid-Size Law Firm – Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.
Shook, Hardy & Bacon supported vital HVL projects in 2024, connecting experienced and dedicated attorneys to low-income, high need clients with complex legal needs. The firm sponsored a record-clearing project that changed the lives of 10 clients who needed assistance navigating unfamiliar legal processes. Shook, Hardy & Bacon attorneys have shown continued support through involvement in HVL’s guardianship projects, often taking one case after another. The firm’s experienced civil rights lawyer took on a case that is typically too complex for HVL to place, transforming our clients’ future by restoring their civil rights.
Small Law Firm – Jenkins & Kamin, L.L.P.
Jenkins & Kamin demonstrated an exceptional dedication to pro bono work in 2024, providing complex legal support to underserved clients with compassion and professionalism. Their remarkable contributions as a small firm include dedicated representation that produces life-changing results for clients as well as mentorship to non-family law volunteers. This means that Jenkins & Kamin not only represents their pro bono clients with the same attention and respect as their paying clients, but also expands HVL’s support system and increases our capacity to change more lives.
Solo – Shay Johanson
Shay Johanson’s dedication and passion for serving Houstonians in need is inspired by the city’s diversity and sense of community. Shay has been a huge supporter of HVL’s guardianship program, taking on three pro bono cases in 2024. His efforts also include volunteering with HVL’s naturalization program. Shay has made an immense impact on the lives of some of our most vulnerable clients, exemplifying the transformative power of pro bono work.
