Volunteer of the Month – June 2020
Patrick Quine is an associate with Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP.
1. How did you first get involved in pro bono?
Hunton Andrews Kurth has a robust pro bono program and encourages attorneys to get involved. I attended a few DVAP intake clinics as a first year associate and eventually found the courage to start taking cases on my own. DVAP also provides mentors for attorneys, who have been a great resource. They help enable me to handle cases that are outside of my regular practice areas.
2. Describe your most compelling pro bono case.
One of my most compelling cases involved a client with a leaking roof which if left unrepaired, could have caused a number of problems. My client was unable to make repairs because the title of the house was in the name of his deceased mother. I helped him probate his mother’s will to transfer the title to his name.
3. Why do you do pro bono?
I think it is so important to engage with and serve the communities in which we live and help those who may not have the means or access to the resources necessary to help themselves. I am thankful to have the opportunity to be there for those who have nowhere else to turn, and that my firm supports me in those efforts. Providing pro bono legal services to the community is so important and not only helps my clients but also enriches me personally.
4. What impact has pro bono service had on your career?
I think pro bono work helps build character. When you do something for others without expecting anything in return, it is not only a gift to them but also turns out to be a gift for you. I may have a long way to go, but pro bono work is at least helping me head in the right direction while helping others at the same time.
5. What is the most unexpected benefit you have received from doing pro bono?
I mostly assist the elderly, so I hear some really incredible life stories and learn so much from our work together. It is history from the source and I value the relationships I have developed with each and every client.
