Champions for Pro Bono

Robinson Gray Stepp & Lafitte, LLC, a Columbia-based business and litigation firm, is deeply committed to pro bono service and strengthening ties with the communities where it works.  Attorneys Molly Campolong and La’Jessica Stringfellow work earnestly behind-the-scenes as co-chairs of Robinson Gray’s Pro Bono Committee to set the firm apart for its commitment to service.

“We plan and look for pro bono opportunities for the lawyers, paralegals and staff at our firm to participate in,” Stringfellow said. “With these steps in place, it’s harder for people to say ‘I don’t know how to find an opportunity’ or ‘I don’t know how to get involved’ because we are always eagerly looking for ways that our entire firm can get involved with pro bono.”

As co-chairs, Campolong and Stringfellow strive to engage with their colleagues and do all they can to encourage involvement.  The firm’s pro bono committee meets throughout the year to discuss new opportunities and sets internal goals to keep members involved.  Robinson Gray’s commitment to the public is a feat in itself, but it comes easily to the firm’s members; community lies as a central tenet within Robinson Gray’s professional culture.

“Robinson Gray really understands the importance of community and helping the community at large,” Stringfellow shared. “Pro bono has been a big focus of Robinson Gray and something that has been pushed for all of us to get involved with and give back to our community.”

Campolong shed light on the distinct way that community and service intertwine through the firm’s pro bono program.  If a member is already involved with a group  outside of work, Campolong and Stringfellow want to honor these relationships further to keep the firm interested in pro bono opportunities.

“Law firms should use the community connections that their attorneys already have,” Campolong said. “One of the things we’re actively doing is trying to work with organizations that our attorneys are already interested in and involved in to help those organizations further.” 

Before coming to Robinson Gray, Campolong and Stringfellow both worked as clerks with South Carolina Supreme Court Justice John Cannon Few, who was one of the first major influences on their interest in pro bono service.  While motivations for pro bono involvement vary, Campolong and Stringfellow’s commitment ultimately boils down to one summarizing quality: they like helping people.

“Pro bono work truly helps those who may not be able to afford an attorney, and everyone should have access to justice and access to great legal representation for their issues, no matter their socio-economic level,” Stringfellow said. 

The American Bar Association has recognized the last full week in October as National Celebrate Pro Bono Week since 2009, and Gov. Henry McMaster recently issued this proclamation in South Carolina.  Throughout October, the South Carolina Bar is highlighting Palmetto State attorneys who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to pro bono service.