Volunteer of the Month – August 2023

Chante Brantley is the Director of the VanSickle Family Law Clinic and Clinical Professor at SMU Dedman School of Law.

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

I first became involved in pro bono work as a student attorney in the Children’s Rights Clinic at UT School of Law.  This experience introduced me to this vital work.  As a law student, I had the opportunity to represent children, under the supervision of an attorney, in foster care.  I had my first jury and bench trial as a law student and gained valuable skills and values that gave me a head start in my legal career.  Fast forward, I now coach and supervise law students representing low-income clients and advocate the importance of pro bono work and access to justice in my teachings.  I have come full circle, demonstrating a commitment to this work.

• • What types of cases have you accepted?

My first pro bono case as an attorney was a divorce with children that moved from uncontested to a contested domestic violence matter that lasted more than a year.  In the SMU family law clinic, we accept mainly uncontested divorces that typically have many moving parts, such as investigating the whereabouts of a respondent.

• • Describe your most compelling pro bono case.

My most recent compelling pro bono case was a client fighting for years to get her child back from non-parents without legal representation.  The case was unjust, and it was rewarding to help this mother tell her story and be reunited with her child.

• • Why do you do pro bono?

Injustice is my why! I understand the importance of my role and professional responsibility as an attorney to make our legal system accessible to those unable to afford legal counsel.

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

The most important benefit of doing pro bono work is leaving a legacy of exposing the next generation of lawyers to the pro bono space, which enhances my lawyer wellness.