Volunteer of the Month – June 2024

Griffin Baker is a tax associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.

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

I first got involved in pro bono when I joined Weil. They put a strong emphasis on pro bono and have their new attorneys work with the Innocence Project as part of their onboarding process. So I’ve been involved with pro bono from the first days of my legal career.

• • What types of cases have you accepted?

I served as DVAP’s Lend-a-Lawyer for two months earlier this year. It was a great experience! I’ve mostly handled wills and divorces.

• • Describe your most compelling pro bono case. 

My most compelling case so far at DVAP involves an elderly woman who trusted some close family members to pay the property taxes on her home for her. They did not and did not tell her that they were not paying. As a result, the county was only a few weeks away from taking and selling her home when I got the case. It’s been a bumpy ride, but now it looks like we’ll be able to keep her in her home. It’s truly gratifying to make such a dramatic difference in someone’s life.

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

My various pro bono projects have strengthened my career by exposing me to new areas of the law, giving me the chance to work with other attorneys inside and outside of my firm, and giving me practice in working with clients.

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

The most unexpected benefit I’ve received is the immense gratitude that my pro bono clients express to me. It’s nice to feel appreciated and know that your time and efforts are helping someone.