Volunteer of the Month – April 2024

Robert L. Villaseñor is the General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief Administrative Officer of MoneyGram International

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

I became involved in pro bono early in my career with DVAP and have continued to handle pro bono cases throughout my career.

• • Describe your most compelling pro bono case.

Each case has been compelling and rewarding.  I think the most emotional and impactful was an asylum case that I worked on in New York involving Tibetan refugees.  It was a life changing experience for the clients and they were extremely grateful and pleasant to work with. It was also an interesting case from a process and legal drafting standpoint.

• • Why do you do pro bono?

I believe that everyone should have access to necessary legal representation regardless of financial resources and it is my responsibility as a lawyer to do what I can to help.

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

The feeling of being able to help those in need has been rewarding.  In addition, having the opportunity to work on a broad range of pro bono matters has been an exciting learning experience.

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

I am always struck by how grateful pro bono clients are to receive pro bono legal assistance.  While this is not why I get involved in pro bono, it is a nice added benefit.