Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton Counsel Holly Gaudreau has served on the Justice & Diversity Center Board of Directors since 2015. Her practice focuses on commercial litigation, including antitrust, unfair competition, trademark and copyright. She serves on her firm’s Pro Bono Committee as well and in 2014 she received the Iranian American Bar Association Northern Chapter Pro Bono Award.

JDC Director of Development and Community Engagement Steve Love recently learned a bit more about this JDC Board Member.

Tell us a fun fact:
Growing up in small town Indiana with a veterinarian father, I was lucky to be surrounded by animals and nature. I would often navigate the woods with a dog, three cats and a goat!

What is your favorite band, artist or last concert you went to?
My last concert was Fitz and the Tantrums. I’ve always had a soft spot for Duran Duran.

What is something people don’t know about serving on the JDC board?
Delicious lunches every month! I’ve also found serving on the board a great way to connect with others in the legal community.
 
What JDC program or initiative are you most passionate about?
The Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP) and the Federal Pro Bono Project stand out to me. My first JDC pro bono experience was with HAP helping a homeless individual legally change his name. It was a simple process but the client was extremely grateful for the assistance. The Federal Pro Bono Project provides legal representation to litigants who can’t afford an attorney, an essential service. While I haven’t yet worked on any of these cases myself, others at my firm have taken on litigation through the project, including prisoners’ rights cases, and found to be very fulfilling.
 
What is your most memorable experience as an attorney?
Handling my first witness at trial. I was very nervous at the start but managed to overcome my nerves and enjoy the process.

What are your suggestions for giving back in 2017?
Stop and talk to that person on the street who is asking for help. Buy them a meal or a cup of coffee. Let them know you care. And as a member of the legal community, use your advocacy skills for good and participate in pro bono!

Visit www.sfbar.org/jdc to learn more about the Justice & Diversity Center.