Philip A. DeLaney (JD 73)

The University of Florida Levin College of Law kicked off National Pro Bono Week on Monday, Oct. 26, with the announcement of the Joseph W. Little Pro Bono Support Fund. The fund will offset out-of-pocket expenses incurred by students who volunteer for pro bono work, and was made possible by a generous donation from Philip A. DeLaney (JD 73) and Phyllis S. DeLaney (BDAE 92).

The DeLaneys chose to honor Little, UF Law professor emeritus, for his years of dedication to public service, his pro bono work for local causes, and his positive influence on students, including Philip DeLaney who is an attorney with Scruggs & Carmichael in Gainesville, Fla.

“As a first-year law student, I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into Professor Little’s class for the first time,” DeLaney said. “It didn’t take 15 minutes before I realized that he was very serious about teaching and the law. He was tough, but always willing to take time with students who wanted more information or needed counseling. It was then he became a role model for me.”

Little joined the faculty at UF Law in 1967 and is a widely known legal advocate and expert in torts, local government law, U.S. and state constitutional law and employment legislation. He said he is humbled and honored by the DeLaneys’ gift.

“Lucille, my wife, and I are gratified that Phyllis and Phil DeLaney have created the Joseph W. Little Pro Bono Support Fund,” said Little. “A better name would be the ‘Allen Y. DeLaney Pro Bono Support Fund.’ Allen DeLaney, Phil’s father and a physician, was committed to providing medical care to needy people in our community. I was lucky he chose me to help him in his quest.”

UF College of Law Dean Robert Jerry said the fund is a fitting tribute to Little, who leads students by example in regards to advocacy work.

“Law students who volunteer for pro bono work accomplish more than fulfilling a much-needed community service,” said Jerry. “They also enhance their career development and make themselves more attractive to potential employers. I am proud to say that during the course of their law school careers, last year’s graduates volunteered for 8,096 pro bono hours. This fund will enhance our students’ ability to serve in these advocacy roles.”

Pro bono events held at UF Law included a breakfast and an information fair, where students were provided information on the benefits of, and opportunities for, pro bono service. Approximately 300 orange ribbons were distributed to participating students to wear in an effort to help raise awareness regarding the value and need for pro bono volunteers.

For more information on pro bono opportunities and the Joseph W. Little Pro Bono Support Fund, contact Kristen Bryant in Career Development at 273-0860, or visit the Web site at www.law.ufl.edu/career/students/probono/.

Benefits of Pro Bono Service

• Provides desperately needed legal services to organizations with limited resources
• Fosters law students' pride in serving their community
• Gives law students valuable practical experience and professional feedback
• Lets students meet and interact with legal practitioners in the community
• Instills goodwill on behalf of the law school, its graduates, and our community
• Develops professional responsibility in the practice of law