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Van Horn Law Group: Pro Bono Commitment
Van Horn Law Group is helping to bring up the next generation of lawyers committed to providing pro bono legal services to individuals and families in need.
To that end, Van Horn Law Group partnered with Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law in September of 2022 to augment its pro bono honor program by establishing the Van Horn Law Group Pro Bono Honor Program.
The enhanced program, part of NSU Law’s Public Interest Programs, ramps up the student experience at the law school, maximizes opportunities to provide pro bono legal services and increases the number of overall pro bono hours provided while offering valuable, hands-on experience.
“Attorneys who commit their time and talent to pro bono work find the work is meaningful and powerful, knowing they have the ability to change lives for the better. I am very grateful to stand alongside NSU Law in this important effort,” said Chad Van Horn, Founding Partner Attorney and NSU Alumnus.
Student and Alumni Experience
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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 Class of 2025
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 Class of 2024
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 Class of 2024
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
NSU Law Class of 2023
“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”
By the Numbers
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16044pro bono hours were provided by by 109 students graduating in 2023 and 2024
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358Pro Bono Cases Handled by Van Horn Law Group
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35+Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Filings
Pro Bono Service Recognition
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Van Horn Law Group Founding Partner Attorney Chad Van Horn (center) with May 2023 NSU Law graduates who participated in the Van Horn Law Group Pro Bono Honor Program: Gabriel Montiel, Lexy Semino, Marc Spier and Anthony Daniels
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NSU Law graduates who participated in the Van Horn Law Group Pro Bono Honor Program: Alexander Lumley, Graciela Roig and Sara Castilla Calf
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NSU Law graduates who participated in the Van Horn Law Group Pro Bono Honor Program: Mason Prosky and Summer Book
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Roberto (Beto) Juárez, Jr., Dean and Professor of Law at NSU’s Shepard Broad College of Law with Chad Van Horn, Van Horn Law Group Founding Partner Attorney
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NSU Law graduates who participated in the Van Horn Law Group Pro Bono Honor Program: Kyle Lockwood and Joseph Menniti
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NSU Law graduates who participated in the Van Horn Law Group Pro Bono Honor Program: Lexy Semino and Marc Spier
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Chad Van Horn, Van Horn Law Group Founding Partner Attorney
“Chad Van Horn and the Van Horn Law Group exemplify our legal profession’s commitment to providing pro bono services of the highest quality to the underserved in our community. The law firm proudly proclaims its belief that the improvement of our community starts with giving all citizens equal access to the legal system.”
José Roberto (Beto) Juárez, Jr.,
Dean and Professor of Law at NSU’s Shepard Broad College of Law.
Why is it important to give back?
Karina Cardiff, an NSU Law grad, believes that giving back through pro bono work is essential to support those in need and to promote justice and equality in the community.
How did you get involved in the pro bono clinic?
Nicole Schwartz, an NSU Law grad, shares that her passion for helping others and the support from NSU Law’s Advocates for Justice program inspired her to join and make a difference in the community.
Are you considering pro bono work?
Latonya Brown Stanley, an NSU Law grad, highlights the importance of using her legal skills to support those in need and is committed to making a positive impact through community service.
Why is it important to give back to the community?
Thalita Saide, an NSU Law grad, shares why giving back to the community is essential.
Why is giving back important?
Malaak Abduirassa, an NSU Law grad, emphasizes that giving back through pro bono work allows her to use her legal skills to make a meaningful impact in the community, ensuring access to justice for all.
Are you considering pro bono work?
Malaak Abduirassa, an NSU Law grad, expresses her commitment to utilizing her legal education to give back to the community and make a meaningful impact through pro bono service.
Why is giving back important?
Laura Ruda, an NSU Law grad, believes that giving back through initiatives like pro bono work is crucial to addressing inequities in access to legal services and fostering a more just society.
Are you considering pro bono work?
Emily Goldburg, an NSU Law grad, emphasizes her dedication to leveraging her legal education to support underserved communities and uphold principles of justice and equality.
Why Pro Bono?
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Advocate for Justice
Sign up for the Van Horn Law Group Pro Bono Honor Program at Nova Southeastern to improve the lives of individuals and families, provide equal access to the legal system to everyone, not just those who can afford it, accelerate the development of your skills and have the opportunity to tackle real-world tasks requiring strategy, briefs, case arguments and careful navigation.
Contact Jennifer Gordon, Esq., Director of Public Interest Programs at NSU’s Shepard Broad College of Law at jgordon@nova.edu