Press Releases
Nelson Mullins' Chris Genovese Receives S.C. Bar Pro Bono Award
The South Carolina Bar will bestow a 2011 Pro Bono Award upon Chris Genovese, an associate in Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough's Columbia office, for his contributions to meeting the civil legal needs of those citizens who cannot afford the services of an attorney. He will be recognized at the Bar Foundation Gala on March 3 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
Mr. Genovese provides free representation to parents wishing to establish guardianship and/or conservatorship for their special needs children who have reached (or soon will reach) the age of majority. Over the past three years, Mr. Genovese has worked with South Carolina Legal Services in Columbia, serving as guardian ad litem (GAL) in several cases at absolutely no cost. He developed the Guardianship-Conservatorship program at Nelson Mullins, and he oversees and participates in that program as well. Olivia Jones of SCLS explains that Mr. Genovese’s services “provide free of charge what would normally cost hundreds of dollars to our clients.”
“When a special child turns 18...the law says that parents cannot legally continue to advocate for their child without first being named the guardian.” Ms. Jones said. “When these parents are faced with having to proceed with a court action to continue to care for their child, it can seem like a huge hurdle – not only emotionally, but financially. Mr. Genovese’s assistance has been invaluable to these individuals and to SCLS.”
The South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Award is presented annually to a lawyer(s) who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to volunteer legal services for the poor and disadvantaged. These services are of critical importance to ensure that representation is provided to needy individuals and families in need of free civil legal assistance. By honoring those who have shown leadership in the delivery of legal services to the poor, the Bar encourages others to volunteer in their communities.
The South Carolina Bar, which has a membership of more than 13,500 lawyers, is dedicated to advancing justice, professionalism and understanding of the law.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo of Mr. Genovese
