Meet Celeste Friel | Pro Bono Spotlight

What inspired you to take on pro bono work, and how has it shaped your perspective as an attorney?

The biblical principle, "To whom much is given, much is required," has been a guiding force behind my commitment to service. I believe it's a call to action, reminding us of our responsibility to leverage our knowledge and skills to benefit those who need it most.

Can you share a specific pro bono matter or client experience that was particularly meaningful or inspiring? What impact did it have on you personally or professionally?

Having grown up in a family with strong ties to military service, I hold a deep affection for the veteran population. This affection spurred participation in my law school's Leadership Legacy Project centered on appealing veterans' discharge statuses. After joining Taft, I contacted Rachel Jennings to discuss pro bono opportunities that directly benefited veterans. It wasn't long before an opportunity circulated via email that allowed me to build on my efforts with the Leadership Legacy Project by reviewing veterans' files for the National Veterans Legal Services Program. While I know I can never truly repay veterans and their loved ones for their sacrifices, focusing the majority of my pro bono work on veteran-related matters is my way of saying thank you.

What pro bono organizations have you been involved with?

Aside from the previously mentioned pro bono work, I've had the privilege of being involved with Court Appointed Special Advocates and Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio.

What advice would you give to your colleagues who are considering getting involved in pro bono work but don't know where to start?

The most expensive thing anyone can spend is their time, so it's only natural that we tend to prioritize people, tasks, and things by their level of importance. That said, I would encourage my colleagues to determine a particular cause or community that is important to them. When passion fuels one's commitment to pro bono work, it'll transforms the experience from a perceived obligation into a meaningful opportunity.

Learn more about Taft's pro bono efforts here.