Colleen C. Jarrott, partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson, currently works as co-lead for the Energy & Environmental Core Industry Group. “At present, most of my pro-bono service relates to serving on various boards for local pro-bono organizations, like Louisiana Appleseed, New Orleans Bar Foundation and the Grants Committee for the Louisiana Bar Foundation,” she said. “The reason for this is the impact that these organizations have locally and across the state of Louisiana to provide free civil legal services to people that cannot otherwise afford legal help.”
The firm’s commitment to pro-bono work even earned it a spot on the Public Interest Law Initiative 2023 Pro Bono Recognition Roster. “The firm was among 44 law firms and corporations honored at PILI’s 2023 Annual Pro Bono Reception,” Jarrott said. “To handle a pro-bono matter, we need review and approval from our in-firm pro-bono coordinator, the Professional Development Partner, Joshua Vincent.”
While Jarrott has been doing pro-bono work since 2010, she said that she would like to get back to doing hours at Civil District Court to help with matters such as name changes, getting custody over children and no-contest divorces.
“[It is important] to give back to our community, especially here in New Orleans where [costs have] skyrocketed but the local salary rates have not,” Jarrott said. “We have so much poverty and a large unhoused population. This is the best way to help people with everyday issues like landlord/tenant problems, family law issues, etc. Pro-bono service takes dedication and time, but it is so rewarding to help someone.”
