Quick snapshot: I grew up in a small town on eastern Long Island, New York. I have six siblings and 37 first cousins, so I’ve always had a lot of family around me. My dad was a public servant his entire career, serving as a prosecutor and judge, and my mom was heavily involved in public interest work throughout her life. I attended the University of Virginia for college and law school, and after serving as a federal law clerk, joined Hunton & Williams, where I’ve practiced as a litigator and trial lawyer for the last 30 years. My pro bono practice focuses on prisoner rights and habeas corpus litigation, in recent years teaming up with the Southern Center for Human Rights. My interests include bicycling, skiing, hiking in the north Georgia mountains, all kinds of music, reading history, and playing jazz and blues saxophone. I’m also an avid college basketball and lacrosse fan.
How did you get involved with Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation? My good friend, Paul Murphy, told me about the great work AVLF has been doing and the board’s efforts to expand AVLF’s capabilities.
Give us your best elevator pitch – what does AVLF mean to you? Our nation’s most serious gap in professional services is providing legal advice and representation to people just above the poverty line. They do not usually qualify for public assistance but they cannot afford an attorney’s services, even for crises such as domestic violence and evictions. AVLF is one of the key organizations bridging that gap in Fulton and Clayton Counties.
What are you most looking forward to as the newest Board member? I look forward to learning about the work AVLF is doing, so I can help spread the word about AVLF’s mission and its impact on the communities it serves. Raising funds is vitally important, but raising awareness in the community and making the community want to address these issues is also essential.
What are you proudest of professionally? Being a Hunton & Williams partner.
And personally? My family, which includes not just my wife Tracy and our children, but our large extended family. My wife, children and I are very close to my siblings, their spouses and children, and to my wife’s family. All are grounded people and wonderful friends, as well as family. We were fortunate to have remarkable parents who impressed on their children and grandchildren the value of being part of one’s family and community.
Is there anything else you want our readers to know? For many years, I’ve followed the remarkable work by Marty Ellin and the rest of the AVLF staff. I’m happy that as a member of the board, I’ll have the opportunity to learn more about AVLF’s programs and contribute to AVLF’s impact on the communities it serves.
