by Kathy Para
JBA Pro Bono Committee Chair
Guardian ad Litem Program volunteer opportunities
Child advocacy is one of the most rewarding areas of practice. The Florida Guardian ad Litem Program consists of just over 300 dedicated volunteers who act as the voice of abused, abandoned and neglected children in the dependency court system. The two primary ways that attorneys may volunteer are as a pro bono attorney, or as an attorney ad litem.
Pro Bono attorneys act as a point of contact for children aging out of the foster care system or represent them in specialty areas such as probate, special education, medical malpractice and immigration. The attorney ad litem serves the child in a normal attorney-client relationship and is responsible for representing the child’s wishes.
This month, the Guardian ad Litem Program recognizes two very special pro bono attorneys for their many contributions to our Program. Jeremy Ches and Frank Morreale of Holland & Knight, who we call the dynamic duo, have worked together to establish guardianships for our children. Both Jeremy and Frank joined Holland & Knight in April of 2006. Jeremy attended Wake Forest University School of Law, and Frank attended New York University School of Law. They appreciate the finer things in life, which for both Jeremy and Frank involves Yankees baseball.
When they are not busy representing our children in court, and their clients with the firm, both men are committed to their families. Jeremy has a daughter, Jacqueline, and a son on the way, and Frank has triplet sons, Charlie, Henry and Jackson.
We are honored to work with two of the brightest, most dedicated attorneys in Jacksonville, Jeremy Ches and Frank Morreale.
By giving a few hours of time each month, you too can make a difference in the lives of our children by being their voice in court. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a pro bono attorney with the Guardian ad Litem Program, please contact the office at (904) 630-1200.