Volunteer of the Month – May 2025

Michael Coleman is an associate in the Real Estate Practice Group at Haynes Boone.

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

I first got involved by participating in the DVAP virtual legal clinic hosted by my firm. Afterwards, I began taking on several pro bono files directly with DVAP.

• • Describe you most compelling pro bono case. 

Representing a client who was going through a challenging divorce and needed assistance with changing her last name and also having the family home conveyed to her. Seeing the joy and appreciation on the client’s face after everything was complete was the greatest reward for me.

• • Why do you do pro bono? 

I understand the challenges and barriers to getting access to quality legal representation for certain populations. I therefore always made it a goal of mine to give back by way of providing pro bono services whenever I was in a position to do so. This is the reason why I am actively involved with DVAP pro bono cases.

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

It has given me an added sense of accomplishment, appreciation and understanding of how difficult it is for a lot of people to obtain/afford quality legal representation.

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

Understanding and appreciating the impact that you can make on the life of your clients by simply answering the phone and doing your best to help them with their matter.