Houston Volunteer Lawyers Recognizes Associate for Outstanding Pro Bono Achievement

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is pleased to share that Houston capital finance and real estate associate Jared Grodin received Houston Volunteer Lawyers’ (HVL) Award for Outstanding Pro Bono Achievement for his exceptional dedication and service handling pro bono guardianship cases.

Since 2015, Grodin has managed 11 guardianship cases that each deal with parents fighting to continue caring for their adult children who are disabled. “Whether the applicant is one or two parents, they’re some of the most hardworking and dedicated caregivers that anyone could ask for,” he said.

In most cases, the children were born with disabilities that require constant care. However, when they  turn 18 years old, their parents must apply for adult guardianship through probate courts to continue acting as guardians. 

Grodin added, “To the parents, guardianship is a hurdle that comes with many fears—but not all of them are true. For example, some parents believe adult protective services will take their kids away. Helping parents overcome these hurdles, whether they are specious or veracious, and become guardians is its own reward.”

“We are thrilled that Jared has been honored for his leadership and steadfast commitment to pro bono services,” said Neil Kelly, a member of the firm’s pro bono leadership team and co-chair of the Houston office’s pro bono committee. “Jared exemplifies our firm’s pledge to provide underserved communities with access to quality legal services. His recognition is well earned.”

Grodin accepted the award this morning at HVLs’ “Pro Bono Matters! A Celebration of Pro Bono and Annual Pro Bono Awards” at the CenterPoint Energy Tower in Houston, TX.

About Houston Volunteer Lawyers

Founded in 1981 by the Houston Bar Association, Houston Volunteer Lawyers has delivered free legal services to low-income residents of Harris County for 35 years by linking qualified applicants with attorneys volunteering their time on a pro bono basis. Houston Volunteer Lawyers helps low-income citizens that other programs often cannot serve, such as those who may not meet the financial criteria of other legal assistance programs and non-US citizens. Over 3,000 Harris County attorneys serve as Houston Volunteer Lawyers' volunteers, each making a difference in the lives of low-income clients, their families, and communities.