AKSHAYA GARIMALLA | SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
For decades, Eversheds Sutherland has been by our side in the fight for equal justice.
Eversheds Sutherland LLP has always been one of AVLF’s most ardent supporters.
For decades, the firm and its employees have enthusiastically championed volunteering with us, have served integral roles on our Board of Directors and Junior Board of Directors, have made incredible financial gifts to the Foundation, and have provided regular opportunities to help the AVLF staff sustain and even grow the substantive programs on which so many in our community rely.
Kristy Weathers—Eversheds’ Professional Development Partner, as well as AVLF Board member, long-time volunteer, and donor—expressed her deep enthusiasm for the steadfast and abiding partnership between AVLF and her firm. “Eversheds Sutherland, like so many firms in Atlanta, has had a long and wonderful history of supporting AVLF with service hours and dollars,” Kristy explained. “Why is it so important to us? Because we have a common goal and purpose: helping our communities thrive.”
“Why is [our partnership with AVLF] so important to us? Because we have a common goal and purpose: helping our communities thrive.”
Kristy Weathers
She continued: “When our lawyers work with AVLF clients, including families and individuals who might be about to lose the roof over their heads, or whose children are suffering from mold inhalation, we see firsthand that many don’t understand their rights, much less how to navigate getting help.
“We stand with our community through our work with AVLF, and we are all better for it.”
When asked about her innovative approach to fundraising for AVLF’s Annual Campaign, Kristy emphasized the creation of a personal connection between the attorneys that she solicits and the work that they help support. “Georgia Bar members have unique talents and resources to share with our community, and most consider it a duty and privilege to support our pro bono providers,” she said. “But the number of ‘asks’ for our charitable service hours and dollars can be overwhelming for many of us and, of course, choosing where to put time and money is extremely personal.
“With all of that in mind, my approach to enlisting individual lawyer support is simple: go beyond a group email and get the ‘ask’ in front of our lawyers by reaching out to each of them individually (with at least a few reminders!).”
“Georgia Bar members have unique talents and resources to share with our community, and most consider it a duty and privilege to support our pro bono providers,” she said. “But the number of ‘asks’ for our charitable service hours and dollars can be overwhelming for many of us and, of course, choosing where to put time and money is extremely personal.”
Throughout his 18-year tenure as our Executive Director, Marty Ellin has witnessed Eversheds Sutherland’s extraordinary dedication to both our clients and our mission. “To those of us who have had the pleasure of working closely with Eversheds Sutherland for decades, it is obvious that the firm is so directly guided by a commitment to help communities thrive,” Marty noted, echoing Kristy’s sentiments. “They have always been at the very front of the Atlanta legal community’s effort to promote equal access to justice for all.”
He expressed his gratitude for our partnership with Eversheds, adding: “AVLF is very proud of the close affiliations that have grown between us and those at the firm. We are grateful to the professionals of Eversheds Sutherland LLP for standing with AVLF so solidly!”
Without the enduring collaborations with our dedicated supporters like Eversheds Sutherland LLP, we would not be able to provide legal services and comprehensive care to those in our community who are in desperate need of justice. A donation to our 2019 Annual Campaign ensures that we can leverage the collective power and resources of our professional community to advocate for our clients during their time of greatest need. Your donation ensures that healing and seeking justice after abuse becomes smoother for our clients, that they are given hope in the face of extreme adversity, and that we can continue to support our neighbors, survivors, and fellow Atlantans year after year.
Click here to make a contribution to the 2019 Annual Campaign.
Akshaya Garimalla
Development Coordinator
As the Development Coordinator, Akshaya Garimalla is responsible for coordinating the implementation of AVLF’s development and fundraising activities, with special emphasis on AVLF’s Annual Campaign. She is deeply grateful to be part of a community that strives for collective liberation.
Akshaya is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and holds a B.A. in International Studies. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her wife.
