We are strong believers in giving back to our profession and our community – in actions, and not just words or dollars. Our lawyers are actively involved as leaders of multiple professional, pro bono, and charitable organizations, as well as governmental positions. Our volunteer spotlight for this newsletter is U/Z’s Todd Smith. 

Todd has been a volunteer with CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Orange County – since 2015 and is matched with an 11-year-old boy.  CASA is a non-profit organization serving the county’s most severely abused, abandoned and neglected children through the recruitment, training, and supervision of community volunteers who advocate for their best interests. 

Todd had this to say about CASA for a recent article in OC Lawyer: “Being an attorney in Orange County, I had heard a lot about CASA and had spoken with CASA representatives at various bar functions over the years. I had been wanting to get more involved in a community-based organization and, with my legal background, CASA seemed like a perfect fit. After learning about the enormous need for CASA volunteers (especially male volunteers) to serve the foster youth in Orange County and the lasting and meaningful impact that a CASA advocate/mentor could have in the life a foster youth, there was no turning back.”

The full article is available on the CASA website here: Empowering OC Youth: One Volunteer at a Time