Holland & Knight Program Seeks to Protect Elders

Trust, Estates and Fiduciary Partner Bruce Ross's experience representing actor Mickey Rooney led him to found an elder abuse pro bono program. The Mickey Rooney Elder Abuse Pro Bono Project helps protect senior citizens from becoming victims of financial elder abuse and helps them reclaim money they've lost. The program puts lawyers in touch with local programs that need help in representing elderly clients in abuse cases.

"I asked myself, 'Why shouldn't a law firm stand up and fight against elder abuse?'" said Mr. Ross. "And if the answer to that question was, 'Why not?' then the question was 'Why not Holland & Knight?'"

Holland & Knight's San Francisco office also works closely with Legal Assistance for Seniors (LAS), a non-profit for outreach and client referrals. Trust, Estates and Fiduciary Partner Stacie Nelson serves as an official lead for the office and said she is thankful for the relationship with LAS.

"If every firm could get into this, we still would not have enough lawyers," said Ms. Nelson, "so we're lucky that LAS is willing to have us work with them."