Posted in: Lawyers › None, Pro Bono
Olivia Stafford Jones’ resume is impressive, and her schedule is packed. Yet she always makes time to help others.
In the time between running her own firm and raising a family, she can often be found at Transition’s bi-monthly HELP clinics, the SC Bar Pro Bono Program’s Friday Blitzes and the Richland County Courthouse helping pro-se divorcees navigate the legal system.
Jones’ dedication to serving the underrepresented is why she has been named the Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year by the South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Board. SC Bar Pro Bono Awards are presented annually to a lawyer and/or law firm that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to volunteer legal services for the poor and disadvantaged. These services ensure that representation is provided to individuals and families in need of free civil legal assistance.
“Taking pro bono cases is an automatic reflex for Olivia,” said Pamela Robinson, University of South Carolina School of Law Pro Bono Program Director, who nominated Jones for the award. Robinson has known Jones since she was a law student and says that Jones’ passion and commitment to helping people was evident early in her studies. As a student, Jones volunteered with the school’s pro bono program and showed a particular passion for the Latinx community.
Jones is fluent in Spanish and an active member of many professional and community associations like the Richland County Bar Association, Lexington County Bar Association, SC Women’s Lawyer Association and the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She also serves on the University of South Carolina School of Law Pro Bono Alumni Advisory Board.
“The legal system is scary, slow-moving most of the time, and uses foreign words that not even all attorneys understand – an intimidating place for most,” said Jones. “We can all do better to make this more accessible. There are so many ways to do good for the public, besides taking a legal matter for free. There are numerous opportunities for lawyers in South Carolina to step up and do something for the public good.”
“I hope to encourage lawyers to consider donating some time to help someone else, however that may look to them,” Jones continued.
The SC Bar announced Jones as the recipient of the award at the first virtual House of Delegates annual meeting on May 14.