Kathryn “Katie” Valley has been a dedicated pro bono volunteer with Jacksonville Area Legal Aid for several years. Her commitment to public service and her passion for expanding access to justice have played an important role in advancing JALA’s mission throughout the community.
Valley has been practicing law since 2023 with a primary focus on workers’ compensation defense. While her practice area does not always allow opportunities to directly incorporate pro bono representation, she has found a meaningful and impactful outlet for service through her involvement with JALA.
Valley’s dedication to public service began early in her career. She received an undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida and her J.D. from Barry University School of Law.
During law school, she participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Clinic and the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, Pro Se Bankruptcy Clinic, gaining early exposure to the importance of providing legal assistance to underserved populations.
After graduation, Valley clerked at an estate planning firm that regularly provided pro bono services to senior citizens—an experience that further strengthened her commitment to serving those in need.
Her involvement with JALA began after passing the Bar examination, encouraged by a mentor who instilled in her the belief that legal assistance should be accessible to everyone.
“I’ve always believed that a license to practice law is a privilege,” Valley said. “With that privilege comes a responsibility to give back and help make legal assistance more accessible to members of our community.”
Through JALA, Valley has volunteered at the monthly Veteran’s Legal Collaborative Ask-A-Lawyer clinic and several Estate Planning and Advance Directive clinics, helping individuals navigate important legal issues and plan for the future.
Each year, she assists with JALA’s Alternative Spring Break clinic, serving as a supervising attorney for law students as they draft simple wills and advance directives for senior citizens.
Valley encourages other attorneys to get involved, emphasizing how approachable and flexible JALA’s pro bono opportunities can be. “The Ask-A-Lawyer clinics are my favorite,” she said. “A lot of the clients just need simple questions answered, and you’re not required to take on a case just because you did a consultation.”
She also highlighted JALA’s commitment to supporting volunteers through training opportunities, allowing attorneys to expand their skills while addressing critical community needs.
In recognition of her ongoing dedication to pro bono service, Valley was awarded the Kathy Para Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award at JALA’s 23rd Annual Robert J. Beckham Equal Justice Awards Celebration in September 2025.
Outside of the office, Valley enjoys baking, reading, running and film photography. She is currently reteaching herself how to play the guitar after a 15-year hiatus.
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid is grateful for Valley’s service and for the many volunteer attorneys who help make access to justice possible across Northeast Florida.
Attorneys interested in following Valley’s example and getting involved with JALA’s Pro Bono Unit can visit www.jaxlegalaid.org/pro-bono to explore current volunteer opportunities, including cases awaiting placement.