Despite a busy litigation practice, Krista Lenart, Office Managing Member of Dykema's Ann Arbor office, is never without a pro bono client, or multiple pro bono clients. In fact, since 2004, she has invested more than 600 hours to various pro bono cases.

“Throughout her nearly 16 years as a commercial litigator, with a very busy fee generating docket, Krista has always had at least one pro bono client, said, noting that Lenart’s pro bono work is often focused on special education and immigrant rights cases.

Bethany and Lutheran Services, two agencies that receive federal funding to assist unaccompanied refugee children, received help from Lenart on multiple pro bono cases. These cases needed volunteer attorneys to represent children and help them prepare immigration applications, and obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Visas, green cards, and other important immigration documents. Lenart’s work with this organization and these children prevented them from returning to potentially unsafe and/or abusive environment. She was able to secure legal status in the United States for many children, providing new opportunities and experiences for them all.

Naasko said that Lenart’s work outside of her firm is a great example of why pro bono work is so important. “A firm’s strong pro bono culture does not remain so without individuals brave enough to nurture and support it,” she observed. “Krista’s hard work exemplifies the rewards that pro bono work can reap; being able to help others can, in turn, help you.”

—Eisha Vatsal, Robert Mathis, and Lynn Ingram contributed to this story.

Published on January 7, 2016