A family history of volunteering propelled her to amplify her pro bono work
My career path was shaped by a simple idea instilled in me by my family: the importance of community service. As a result, service has been a constant theme throughout my life and one of the things I am most proud of. As a child, I often joined my mother as she volunteered through the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, delivering food to a local emergency shelter and leading children’s activities there, volunteering at a local nursing home, and gathering donations for various other local charities.
My mother’s example wasn’t just about giving back; it was about the dignity of those we served and the power of community. I learned that service is a way to build a more just and empathetic society. Those early experiences taught me that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a significant impact. They were the building blocks of my understanding of social responsibility and planted a seed that would continue to grow throughout my life. These lessons stayed with me and shaped my career path.
In high school, I immersed myself in community service, and in college, I volunteered at the Special Olympics and participated in numerous local philanthropic projects. My professional legal career was a natural continuation of this passion. During law school, I worked in the John Jay Legal Services Criminal Defense Clinic, and after graduating, I joined the Legal Aid Society in the Bronx. These experiences, representing underserved individuals and families, ignited my passion for public interest legal work. They showed me firsthand that no one should be denied access to justice due to poverty.
Even after I moved into private practice, those experiences fueled my commitment to pro bono work. The transition to private practice didn’t diminish my commitment; it amplified it. I recognized that my legal skills, honed in a firm environment, could be a powerful tool for good. My dedication to pro bono work became a core part of my professional identity.
This journey has led me to my current roles at Gibbons P.C. as a Director in the Business & Commercial Litigation Group, Pro Bono Chair, and Coordinator of the Gibbons Cares Pro Bono Platform. I have the privilege of directing and participating in a program that provides legal services to those who need it most, with a focus on critical issues like assisting children with special needs and helping veterans access legal aid. I’m incredibly fortunate to have the support of my firm and to be in a position to help make a meaningful difference.
