Volunteer of the Month – November 2022

Kristian McCray is a sole practitioner.

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

After relocating to Texas, I desired to find a way to give back and serve the community. I found out about DVAP and the program provided all the opportunities needed for me to do just that.

• • Describe your most compelling pro bono case.

The most compelling case to date would be an estate planning case for a lady who had recently lost her mother. She decided to get her affairs in order because a significant amount of turmoil and stress presented itself to her and her family after her mother passed without a will. When I first spoke with her, she was overwhelmed. By the end of our conversation, she was at ease and happy to know this aspect of her life would be taken care of while she focused to resolve her mother’s estate. Being able to provide what some may consider a small sense of security makes a difference; but for me, I have found such opportunities to be priceless.

• • Why do you do pro bono?

True joy and happiness are not found in a life lived for one’s self, but rather a life of giving of one’s self for others. Access to legal services should not be denied to anyone because of lack of financial resources. Therefore, DVAP plays an integral part in allowing attorneys like myself to come along in service to our community. It is a meaningful experience to help others in a time of need with no expectation of something in return.

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

It makes my career purposeful on different level. I am blessed to be a blessing. It truly is better to give than to receive, so I use my skill set to give to those in need which produces a greater level of satisfaction for me.

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

There are many unexpected benefits when serving with great people who give of themselves for the betterment of others. However, I was volunteering at the Veterans Clinic and had the opportunity to speak with a non-traditional recently licensed attorney who was also a veteran. As we talked, he shared some of his life accomplishments with me and I was very inspired. We continued to talk, and I shared with him my military background. Prior to us wrapping up that day, he shook my hand and gave me a military coin. His words of inspiration spoke to the desire I had to get involved in pro bono initially, and there was also a reassurance to keep giving all I can whenever I can. What we do in serving is far bigger than total of our life existence.