Released by Governor Ron DeSantis’ Office …
Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the participation of additional law firms in the Governor’s Initiative on Lawyers Assisting Warriors (GI LAW). GI LAW began accepting pro bono legal services requests from active duty service members in May 2019, and to date, seven statewide law firms have provided free legal representation to over 60 service members.
“Through GI LAW, some of our state’s top law firms continue to provide free legal representation to our active duty service members,” said Governor DeSantis. “Having provided pro bono legal service to over 60 military members, my administration remains committed to supporting our brave men and women in uniform. I thank the law firms currently participating and encourage other interested firms to take part in this unique opportunity to help our military personnel.”
Governor DeSantis announced GI LAW at Eglin Air Force Base in April with the participation of five of Florida’s leading law firms: Greenberg Traurig, Holland & Knight, Shutts & Bowen, Akerman LLP and Gunster. Today, the Governor is pleased to announce the participation of three additional firms: Shook, Hardy & Bacon, Nelson Mullins and Cole, Scott & Kissane.
GI LAW was created to fill the gap in the legal services the military provides to active duty service members in Florida. Federal law prohibits military lawyers from representing service members in civil matters not involving the government. As a former U.S. Navy JAG Officer, Governor DeSantis witnessed this gap first-hand and directed the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs to administer this program and partner with Enterprise Florida to ensure its success.
To learn more about GI LAW or to request legal assistance, please visit: https://www.enterpriseflorida.com/floridadefense/lawyers-assisting-warriors/.