by Kathy Para
JBA Pro Bono Committee chair
“I believe pro bono legal work allows us to give back to the community. I believe every lawyer should have at least one pro bono case on his or her schedule at all times.”
Through his continued commitment to pro bono work, Xavier Saunders has sought to give a voice to the voiceless in the Jacksonville community, aiming to give quality legal advocacy and guidance to those who would otherwise not have the chance to be represented fairly and justly. One case in particular demonstrates Saunders’ dedication to pro bono legal work.
Saunders accepted a pro bono case of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid involving a client who originally petitioned for custody of his two children when their mother moved out of state. At that time, Saunders’ client was granted custody of his children.
For three years, between 2006 and 2009, he enjoyed the custody arrangement. However, at the end of summer in 2009, the mother refused to return their daughter to him and she attempted to seek full custody of both of the children, citing unfounded and fictitious claims against Saunders’ client.
If the mother’s challenge to the original order had been successful, Saunders’ client would have been required to relinquish his custody of both of his children based on allegations that were baseless and untrue.
With his relationship with his children at stake, Saunders’ client sought legal guidance and help. Through diligent efforts, attorney and client were able to work together for a positive outcome.
Saunders was able to articulate his client’s position in a way his client alone would not have been able to do. The result was a judgment to reinforce the original custody order.
The client was very happy with the outcome of the case, the children’s stable residence was maintained, and Saunders felt that he had given the client the opportunity to be heard.
“The outcome for the client was that he felt that his position was communicated clearly and fairly to the judge. I was able to frame the issue and effectively counter the mother’s allegations. The client was very appreciative because it was a long, hard fight, but we helped see him through,” said Saunders.
After working for an insurance defense law firm and, subsequently, a plaintiff’s personal injury law firm, Xavier Saunders established the Law Office of Xavier Saunders in 2009, practicing primarily in the areas of personal injury, family law and civil litigation.
He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2007, after graduating from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2006.
Attorneys interested in pro bono opportunities throughout the Fourth Judicial Circuit are encouraged to contact Kathy Para, Chair, Pro Bono Committee of The Jacksonville Bar Association, [email protected].