(TAMPA, Fla.) – At an event hosted by Foley & Lardner LLP last month, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) recognized former state legislator and attorney Carl Domino for years of Pro Bono legal service. Domino volunteers his time and legal services through the Private Attorney Involvement (PAI) Program at Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS), a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide.
Domino was among a selected roster of honorees who have dedicated their careers to impactful legal aid work. LSC also presented awards to U.S. Senator Ashley Moody, Florida Supreme Court Justice John D. Couriel, the firm of Ausley McMullen, the Lake County Bar Association, and four other Florida lawyers for their various commitments to increasing access to justice.
Finally, over 40 legal aid staff were recognized for more than 25 years of service.
Domino had a rather unusual path to law. At age 67, the successful businessman and former Florida state legislator decided to attend law school at Nova Southeastern University's Shepard Broad College of Law. After getting certified to practice in the state of Florida, Domino found
himself gravitating towards family law, joining FRLS’ Pro Bono Program in 2016. Since then, the attorney has closed dozens of cases, serving clients in need of critical legal aid at no cost.
“Access to justice is in our Constitution. But it’s also a part of our civic compact,” Domino told FRLS when asked about his impetus to pursue Pro Bono legal aid work at a later stage of his broader career journey. He noted that around 90 percent of his legal cases are Pro Bono. “It’s very rewarding. A lot of people even say thank you.”
With a passion for service, Domino shared some advice for other attorneys interested in similar work, noting that “even the most junior attorneys can spend a few hours” on a Pro Bono case, whether that means helping clients with eviction, disaster recovery, custody cases, or in another area of law. “You can do Pro Bono [work] in a lot of different areas.” Moreover, a veteran
himself, Domino highlighted the role of Pro Bono attorneys in serving the military community, emphasizing the “unique problems” veterans can experience.
Whether in state politics or through legal aid, Domino has worked tirelessly to extend access to justice across the state. His recognition by LSC for years of Pro Bono service with FRLS is well-deserved, reflecting a lifelong commitment to representing underserved communities in Florida and advocating for the expansion of community-based legal aid organizations
statewide.
About FRLS’ Pro Bono Program
Domino is one of dozens of private attorneys who generously volunteer their time and services through FRLS’ PAI, or Pro Bono, Program. Pro Bono attorneys regularly assist clients with a broad range of legal issues, from housing law to public benefits to elder services. FRLS’ Pro Bono Program also attracts law students seeking to train in a new area of law, and inactive
legal professionals eager to reenter the world of legal aid.
If you are a legal professional and want to volunteer yourservices through FRLS’ Pro Bono Program, call 1-888-582-3410 or fill out our registration form here.
About Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc.
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has pursued justice by providing legal services in housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more, all at no cost to our clients. FRLS collaborates with community organizations and Pro Bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education designed to protect the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice.