Volunteer of the Month – February 2022

Misty Farris is a Senior Counsel with Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP.

• • How did you first get involved in pro bono?

A long time ago, I worked at a firm that had a pro bono project in which we took simple divorce cases, got training at our office, and the judge came in and handled prove-ups one day in our conference room. I’m sorry to say that I didn’t continue at that point. I had tiny kids, and I just felt overwhelmed. When I came to my current job in April, I knew my supervisor had been very active in DVAP and that I would have support for getting involved, and I have.

• • What types of cases have you accepted?

I’ve worked on simple divorces, estate planning, custody cases, and I’m just starting on probate cases and a name change. Everything is new to me, but the mentor attorneys are incredible at providing guidance and answering questions.

• • Describe your most compelling pro bono case.

The truth is they are all compelling. It is amazing the difference you can make in someone’s life with relatively little effort. I think the one that’s touched me the most is a case in which an older sister is trying to get custody of her younger sister where mom died years ago. She’s been taking care of her, but there’s nothing official to help make it work, and they are both so young.

• • Why do you do pro bono?

It reminds me of why I wanted to be a lawyer, and it takes so little effort from your regular workday to help someone accomplish something they have no idea how to accomplish on their own.

• • What is the most unexpected benefit you have received from doing pro bono?

I never knew what I would do after I retired. Now I think I know—handle more DVAP cases.