In this episode of Good in Practice, host Caroline Heller sits down with Elizabeth Hadley, a Greenberg Traurig shareholder in the firm's Austin office, to discuss a years-long pro bono legislative effort that culminated in a landmark victory for human trafficking survivors in Texas.  As the pro bono lobbyist for the Lone Star Justice Alliance, Elizabeth worked across multiple legislative sessions to pass a law establishing duress as a defense for victims of human trafficking who were forced to commit crimes by their abusers. The legislation, which was ultimately signed into law following a regular session, a gubernatorial veto, and a rare special session fix, allows survivors to introduce evidence of their history of trauma and exploitation at trial. Elizabeth and Caroline discuss the coalition-building and bipartisan cooperation that made the bill possible, the story of one survivor whose experience helped drive the effort, and what this work means to Elizabeth personally. They also reflect on how pro bono legislative work represents an often overlooked but powerful way for lawyers to give back to their communities.

In this special relaunch episode of the Good in Practice podcast, Caroline Heller, Chair of Greenberg Traurig's Global Pro Bono Program, sits down with GT CEO Brian Duffy to explore the heart and impact of pro bono work at the firm. Together, they discuss Greenberg Traurig's unique philosophy of giving back, emphasizing how pro bono service is not only an obligation but also a privilege and a core value that strengthens the firm's culture. Brian shares personal stories from his early legal career, highlighting how pro bono matters accelerate associate development, build confidence, and offer transformative opportunities for client interaction and leadership. The conversation addresses common concerns associates may have about taking on pro bono work—such as subject matter intimidation and balancing billable expectations—while reinforcing the firm's commitment to supporting approved pro bono matters. Caroline and Brian also examine how collaborating on pro bono initiatives deepens professional relationships and makes teams stronger, more empathetic, and effective. Brian encourages all attorneys to get involved, underscoring that volunteering yields personal and professional rewards far beyond expectations. Tune in to hear inspiring stories and learn why pro bono is integral to Greenberg Traurig's legacy of service, leadership, and excellence.

In this episode, Caroline speaks to Shareholder Jennifer A. Surprenant and Associate Ryan Foreman about how they helped an active member of the U.S. military obtain more access to his child. The group discusses how distance due to station locations can affect parent-child relationships and how the possibility of deployment affects custody decisions. 

In this episode, Caroline speaks to Michael R. Sklaire, Jacob D. Bundickeg, Shirin Afsous, and Christian T. Spaulding about how they helped reunite a grandmother in Washington, D.C. with her 10 year old granddaughter. The group discusses the complexities of working with clients in two different states on a deadline and how, because of Greenberg Traurig's global presence, we were able to help.

In honor of Veterans Day, Caroline speaks with Greenberg Traurig's Adam Siegler, of counsel in the firm's Los Angeles office and its co-pro bono coordinator, veteran, and founder of Greenberg Traurig's Military & Veterans Program. They discuss Siegler's work with both veterans and active military members as well as his own service and why it is so important to him to continue to give back to those who served our country. Siegler explains the different legal barriers members of the military, both active and retired, may face over time, and Heller discusses how non-veteran attorneys can help.

In this episode, Caroline speaks to Matthew Ladika, CEO of The Children's Place at HomeSafe, David M. Layman, a shareholder in the firm's West Palm Beach office and its Real Estate Practice, and Elliot Scherker, a Shareholder in the firm's Miami office and Co-Chair of its National Appellate Practice. They discuss HomeSafe's origins and how it developed into an organization that helps young victims of abuse and domestic violence through prevention and intervention programs. Layman discusses his provision of pro bono transactional services to HomeSafe for over 20 years and the legal services he recently provided to help HomeSafe expand their reach in Palm Beach County. Scherker discusses his involvement successfully defending legal challenges to HomeSafe's expansion. All three share what brought them to Team HomeSafe and tell some their favorite success stories.

In this episode, Caroline continues her conversation with Samantha Kubek, a former Equal Justice Works (EJW) fellow co-sponsored by GT and Greystone & Co. Inc. Kubek discusses some of the challenges that her clients face when they're applying for veterans benefits, how she practices self-care, and long-term efforts in the Senate to pass the Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act, legislation designed to reshape the manner in which the U.S. military prosecutes sexual assault within its ranks.

In this episode, Caroline talks to Samantha Kubek, a former Equal Justice Works (EJW) fellow co-sponsored by GT and Greystone & Co. Inc., and current visiting assistant clinical professor and director of Robert W. Entenmann Veterans Law Clinic at Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. Kubek discusses the importance of relating to and establishing trust with her veteran clients, and the extraordinary effect an award of benefits can have to a veteran and their family.

In this episode, Caroline talks to Greenberg Traurig Shareholder and Houston Co-Pro Bono Coordinator Jennifer Tomsen and her client, Oscar, an unaccompanied minor from Honduras for whom Jennifer obtained a green card. Oscar discusses his life in Honduras, why he fled to the United States to be with his mother when he was 17 years old, and how he acclimated to his new life. Tomsen discusses the lengthy step-by-step process and barriers along the way of attaining legal residency for young refugees, and the joy of successfully helping a child find safety in the United States.

In this episode, Caroline continues the conversation with Greenberg Traurig Associate and Atlanta Office Pro Bono Chair Andrew Z. Smith and Lauren Duncan, one of Smith's pro bono clients. They discuss the difference between transgender individuals legally changing their name and changing their gender identification markers, access and barriers to comprehensive medical care, and the importance of transgender visibility in media. Heller, Smith, and Duncan also discuss what people and firms can do to be allies to the LGBTQ+ community.