This series is aimed at bringing attention to Nelson Mullins attorneys and legal staff who are committed to pro bono work as a part of their legal practice. See how they made a difference through pro bono!

Join us in recognizing Josh Myers, a senior associate in D.C., for his dedication to the law and impactful pro bono work. Inspired by his parents' commitment to public service, Josh brings relentless dedication and care to every client he serves.

Why is pro bono important to you?

I had no intention of ever joining a law firm when I decided to attend law school. My mom has been a high school teacher for over 30 years, and my dad services MRI machines around the country. Their careers motivated me to pursue a legal career that would have a tangible and direct impact on the lives of others. So, I originally had the goal of becoming a federal prosecutor and was involved in a number of public service organizations in law school. I spent every winter break engaging in pro bono work, including for the South Carolina House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, the South Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. As a practicing attorney, pro bono allows me to continue my passion of helping individuals or nonprofit organizations with navigating the complexities our legal system and to simply make positive difference.     

Why do you think it’s important for the legal profession and our firm to champion pro bono? 

We often forget that lawyers are creatures of the state. At least to me, this makes all of us public servants in some form or capacity. Because of this, I believe that the legal profession and our firm have a responsibility to give back to the very communities that empower us to engage in our daily profession. Pro bono provides critical legal services to those who may not otherwise be able to pay for legal advice and has a real-world impact in ways that we may not expect.    

How has your pro bono work made you a better lawyer? 

My pro bono work has made me into a better lawyer in more ways than I can count. I previously had the opportunity to serve as guardian ad litem to a pair of twin boys, and it was a truly rewarding experience. I had the opportunity to engage in an investigation concerning their welfare, present my findings to the court on several occasions, and explain legal issues to non-lawyers. As an amateur musician, I also advise nonprofit, arts organizations about business or employment law matters, which allows me to refine my ability to interact with clients and navigate legal issues that are often uncharted. These real-world experiences have nurtured my overall legal development and provide transferable skills that are applicable across my broader practice. These clients present unique challenges and opportunities that allow us to grow as professionals while making a tangible difference in their lives and advancing justice where it’s needed most.