Volunteer of the Month – October 2022

Charles Truslow is an associate with Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP.

• • Which clinics have you assisted with?

I have mostly accepted cases that come through DVAP’s Eviction Defense Clinic.

• • Describe your most compelling pro bono case.

Many of the eviction cases I see through the Eviction Defense Clinic are compelling, but most recently I was able to represent an elderly woman who dealt with serious, ongoing health problems due to complications from COVID-19 that affected her ability to pay rent. She did everything in her power to get rental assistance and work with her landlord, but her landlord proceeded with the eviction anyway, which was improper on a number of grounds. I was able to get her case dismissed. She didn’t have much experience navigating the court system, and was incredibly grateful for the assistance.

• • Why do you do pro bono?

As a young lawyer, pro bono has been a great way to gain experience with litigation skillsets that often take longer to develop through billable work alone, such as case management, client communication, and oral argument. More importantly, the need for eviction pro bono work in the in the Dallas community is tremendous, especially now in the wake of the pandemic.

• • What impact has pro bono service had on your career?

Pro bono work has made me a better advocate and afforded me the opportunity to expand my network in the Dallas legal community.

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

Doing pro bono often puts things in perspective. It serves as a consistent reminder to be grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been afforded in my life.