Haynes and Boone Wins Guardianship for Pro Bono Client
October, 2017 - Dallas, Texas
Haynes and Boone, LLP helped pro bono client Ana Vega secure guardianship of her grandson following a contested court hearing in October.
Vega was referred to the firm by the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County. She wanted guardianship of her grandson, Luis, because his father is in prison and mother is not involved in his life. The matter went relatively smoothly until the October guardianship hearing at the San Mateo County Superior Court.
To Vega's surprise, Luis' mother, who chose not to be in contact with Luis for almost a year, appeared at the hearing and contested the guardianship petition. It was a heart-wrenching scene, particularly for 11-year-old Luis, who was brave to withstand his mother's pleas. The judge was compassionate yet firm to the mother. In the end, justice prevailed and guardianship was granted to Vega because she is best able to provide Luis with a stable home.
Haynes and Boone Palo Alto Counsel Huong Nguyen, a member of the firm's Intellectual Property Practice Group, led the team that represented Vega in the proceedings. Nguyen was assisted by Palo Alto staff Lisa Landa. "Pro bono matters are one of the most rewarding experiences because you have such a direct and immediate effect on your clients' lives," Nguyen said.
Haynes and Boone has long been committed to providing pro bono legal aid, believing that a meaningful professional career is much more than just handling major business transactions or trying complex lawsuits. The firm's lawyers actively use the law for helping those who need it most but are least able to pay.
The pro bono matters that our lawyers undertake are as diverse as society's needs. For example, we represent:
Abused and neglected children, and unaccompanied immigrant children in the U.S.
Seekers of political asylum who face violence or death if they return to their home countries.
Indigent clients who need help ranging from family violence situations to defense in death penalty cases.
The Vega case, and the wonderful results achieved by the firm, underscores the profound impact the firm's pro bono practice has on the lives of our clients.
