In court, a teary ending to a family dispute was a gentle reminder to attorney Clive Morgan as to why pro bono work has always been close to his heart.
One of Morgan’s most recent pro bono cases involved a client who had been raised by his aunt. The client’s aunt, who was a genuinely kind woman, not only raised her nephew but also took in a non-family member whom she raised as her own.
So when this non-family member, following the death of the aunt, wrongfully claimed the nephew’s inheritance, a bitter family feud ensued.
Morgan, working on behalf of the nephew, filed an adversary proceeding in bankruptcy court. In the end, a verdict was rendered in favor of Morgan’s client, but not before the judge reminded both parties of the aunt’s wonderful legacy. This sobering moment for the parties, who had grown up together, helped them reconcile their differences.
For Morgan, this was only one instance of the good that comes out of assisting others.
“The most memorable aspect of all of the (pro bono) cases that I handle is the appreciation of the clients when the process is over,” he said. “They are really grateful for the assistance that they receive.”
From a young age, Morgan’s father instilled in him an appreciation for pro bono work. His father, who was a doctor in Jacksonville, frequently provided free medical care to patients who could not afford to pay.
Morgan’s father also did volunteer work overseas for the United Nations agency. Morgan’s sister, who is also in the legal profession, has volunteered with Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and worked for various legal aid agencies throughout her career.
Morgan began his pro bono work volunteering for Legal Aid 25 years ago.
“I did evening interviews, but soon began doing pro bono bankruptcies, which I have done exclusively for the past 20-plus years,” he said.
Morgan admits that at one point several years ago, he contemplated stopping bankruptcy litigation all together.
However, when he informed Sarah Fowler at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid that he intended to do so, she asked him to please continue, as very few attorneys were willing to volunteer in this area.
“Without her urging I would have stopped my bankruptcy practice,” Morgan said.
Today, Morgan practices in the areas of personal injury and bankruptcy. This year, he joined a firm that provides full services to the banking industry.
In his spare time, he plays in bridge tournaments and follows Gator football.
Attorneys interested in pro bono opportunities throughout the Fourth Judicial Circuit are encouraged to contact Kathy Para, chairperson, The Jacksonville Bar Association Pro Bono Committee, [email protected], 356-8371, ext. 363.