Sowell Gray member Tina Cundari named SC Bar Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year
May 19, 2016
COLUMBIA, SC – Sowell Gray Stepp & Laffitte, LLC announced that Tina Cundari was named a 2016 Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year by the South Carolina Bar. The award was presented at the South Carolina House of Delegates meeting on Thursday, May 19, at the Bar Conference Center. This award is presented annually and recognizes lawyers who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to volunteer legal services for the poor and disadvantaged.
“We are very proud of Tina and her commitment to serve those less fortunate. She is very deserving of this award and has inspired all of us at Sowell Gray through her example and leadership,” said managing partner Cal Watson.
Tina has maintained a pro bono practice throughout her career, making it a priority to give back to those in need. She helped form the firm’s first Pro Bono Committee and was its first chair. In this capacity, she generated pro bono work for the firm, handled her own pro bono caseload, and encouraged and assisted attorneys in their cases as needed.
Tina led the firm’s effort in the South Carolina Appellate Practice project, which assigns lawyers in private practice to criminal appeals. Under Tina’s leadership, the firm handled four cases, one of which was Tina’s case, resulting in 500 hours of attorney time spent representing indigent clients. She has also worked on a case with the South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center, and the Lawyers 4 for Vets clinic, which provides free legal advice to military veterans.
Tina assisted in developing and maintaining a relationship between the firm and the Hannah House, a shelter for homeless women and their children. The firm’s lawyers handled a variety of cases on behalf of the residents and was recognized as the 2012 Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year by the South Carolina Bar.
A statement from her nominations reads, “Pro Bono programs do not succeed without leadership and compassion. Tina exemplifies both of these qualities. She truly cares about her community and helping others, especially those in need. Through her leadership she has helped to develop one of our state’s premier pro bono firm programs.”
Tina is a member of the firm and practices in the areas of commercial litigation, professional liability and ethics, securities and FINRA, and appellate advocacy.
About Sowell Gray
Founded in 1996, Sowell Gray Stepp & Laffitte, LLC celebrates 20 years of leadership in 2016 with a yearlong commitment to community service. The firm is located in Columbia’s historic Vista district and provides business and litigation representation in all state and federal trial and appellate courts in South Carolina. Clients range from multi-national corporations to small businesses and individuals. To learn more about the anniversary projects or for more information, please visit sowellgray.com.
