Success Stories
Since its creation in 2012, over 1,000 children and young adults have been represented by Crossroads pro bono attorneys; some in long term and others in short term representations.
Each year more and more lawyers have joined what is called our “Army of Pro Bono Attorneys,” now numbering over 100. Collectively, our “Army” has contributed well over 50,000 pro bono hours since 2012, a value of more than $15 million in free legal services.
Advice, counsel and advocacy for our young clients has meant better outcomes for them, including placements, mental health and other services, and satisfying clothing and other basic needs. We have represented some children for years, and for the first time in their short lives they have advisors and advocates they can trust and depend on. As they experience success in their lives, they gain confidence, empowerment, and realize they have viable option from which to choose, and brighter futures within their reach. Some clients have finished high school, and are in community college. Moreover, Crossroads attorneys receive enormous satisfaction knowing they have provided their young clients with significant, even life changing, legal remedies. One of our lawyers called her pro bono service with Crossroads “the most rewarding aspect of being an attorney.”
Beginning in 2013, Crossroads attorneys have won awards for their representation of children at the annual Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Awards Ceremony, as well as other community and statewide recognition.
Award winners include:
Rosemary Armstrong – Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero Award (2015), 2017 Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction, 2018 American Bar Association Livingston Hall Juvenile Justice Award, and Young Lawyer’s Division Spirit of Excellence Award (Florida Bar 2024).
Katherine Yanes – HCBA Jimmy Kynes Pro Bono Service Award (Circuit Award 2021), and Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers Achievement Award (2024).
Gil Singer – Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award for Thirteenth Circuit (Florida Bar 2024), and HCBA Jimmy Kynes Pro Bono Service Award (Circuit Award 2024).
Daniela Mendez – Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Young Lawyer (Circuit Award 2022), Florida Bar Young Lawyer’s Division Cynthia Henry Duval Diversity Award (Florida Bar 2022), and Young Lawyer’s Division 36 Under 36 Professionalism Award (Florida Bar 2024).
Stephen Todd – HCBA Jimmy Kynes Pro Bono Service Award (Circuit Award 2016), and Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award (Florida Supreme Court Award 2018).
Samantha Tomlin – Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers Pro Bono Award (2024).
Michelle Lambo – Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Lawyer (Circuit Award 2024).
Elizabeth Hapner – HCBA Jimmy Kynes Pro Bono Service Award (Circuit Award 2022), Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Lawyer (Circuit Award 2014), and Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award (2015).
Carol Hinds – Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Lawyer (Circuit Award 2020).
Elizabeth King – Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Young Lawyer (Circuit Award 2020).
Tori Simmons – Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Young Lawyer (Circuit Award 2018) and Young Lawyers Division Pro Bono Service Award (Florida Bar 2019).
Lisa Beggs – Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Lawyer (Circuit Award 2017)
Ella Shenhav – Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Young Lawyer (Circuit Award 2017)
Mamie Wise – 2017 Florida’s Children First Tampa Bay Pro Bono Counsel Award
Fredrique B. Boire – Jimmy Kynes Pro Bono Service Award (Circuit Award 2015)
Sara Alpert – Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Young Lawyer (Circuit Award 2014, and Florida Bar award in 2015)
Wesley Tibbals – Jimmy Kynes Pro Bono Service Award (Circuit Award 2014)
Jo Ann Palchak – Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Lawyer (Circuit Award 2013)
In 2014 and again in 2021, Crossroads For Florida Kids was recognized for its Outstanding Pro Bono Service by an Organization at the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Awards Annual Ceremony.
