Legal help can be life-changing—but for many people, it’s out of reach. That’s where pro bono attorneys step in, using their skills to bridge the gap of access to justice. For Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting the women attorneys who give their time and expertise to pro bono work through SALSA, making an impact in San Antonio.
One of those attorneys is Gabrielle “Gigi” Girling, a volunteer at our Veterans Legal Advice Clinic. Inspired by colleagues who actively serve, she decided to step up—and in the process, found a deeper connection to the legal profession, her community, and the people she serves.
What Inspired Her to Get Involved
For Gigi, pro bono work started with the influence of the attorneys around her. Seeing others at her firm dedicate their time to SALSA made her want to be part of something bigger.
“I was inspired to volunteer with SALSA after seeing the contributions of other attorneys at Jackson Walker, especially Daniel Maldonado and Robert Soza, who participate in the clinics sponsored by SALSA and are active in the organization,” she said. “I wanted to join them in giving back to the community and helping those in need of legal assistance.”
A Memorable Pro Bono Experience
One of the most powerful aspects of pro bono work isn’t just the legal side—it’s the people. And for Gigi, the clients she’s worked with have left a lasting impression.
“One memorable aspect of my pro bono work has been seeing the extent to which clients take the initiative to gather relevant documents and do their own preliminary research,” she shared. “Many clients come to the clinics prepared with organized materials and well-thought-out questions, which demonstrates how much these legal issues really matter to them.”
For her, it was a reminder of how deeply personal legal challenges can be—and how just a little guidance can go a long way in empowering people to advocate for themselves.
Why Pro Bono Matters for Women Attorneys
For Gigi, pro bono work is especially meaningful for women attorneys because it offers both personal and professional growth.
“Pro bono work is especially important for women attorneys because it allows us to contribute our legal expertise to underserved communities and empowers us to be advocates for those who may not otherwise have access to justice,” she explained. “Engaging in pro bono work is a great way for women attorneys to expand their skills, improve research skills, and refine client communication.”
She also highlighted how pro bono work can be particularly valuable for women early in their legal careers. “For those early in their careers, it’s an excellent way to build confidence as an attorney by tackling diverse cases and navigating challenges that might not arise in day-to-day work,” she said. “Not only will you develop your legal skills and client consultation abilities through volunteering, but you will also build meaningful relationships with fellow attorneys and mentors while making a tangible difference in your community and the justice system.”
Gigi’s Advice to Other Women Attorneys
Her advice for attorneys considering pro bono work? Just do it.
“My advice to other women considering volunteering their legal skills would be to take the leap and engage in one of the many SALSA clinic opportunities that align with their interests and availability,” she said.
Whether you’re a seasoned attorney or just starting out, pro bono work is an opportunity to make a real impact—for clients, for your community, and for yourself.
Looking to get involved? Register to volunteer with SALSA https://www.sa-lsa.org/volunteerform/. Support SALSA: sa-lsa.org/donate