In a recent government meeting, attorney Jeff Goldman was honored with the Adams Pro Bono Publico Award for his exceptional pro bono work in family law, a field outside his usual practice. Goldman, a lawyer at Morgan Lewis, stepped in to represent Lynn Kavanaugh, a school teacher and single mother of three, when she could no longer afford legal representation in her child support and alimony case.

Despite the complexities of the case and the imminent trial date, Goldman dedicated over 500 hours to Kavanaugh's legal battle over four years. His efforts culminated in a landmark ruling from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, which established that judges must consider multiple approaches when determining alimony and child support, significantly impacting how family income is allocated in divorce cases.

Kavanaugh expressed profound gratitude for Goldman’s unwavering support, stating that his commitment extended beyond legal advice, providing her with emotional strength during a challenging period. Legal aid attorneys noted that Goldman’s work has transformed the landscape for domestic relations litigants, lawyers, and judges alike.

Goldman acknowledged the challenges of navigating probate court, a system often daunting for those unfamiliar with it. He emphasized the importance of providing legal assistance to individuals facing the court without representation, advocating for more law firms to follow suit and engage in pro bono work.

The meeting highlighted the critical role of pro bono services in ensuring equitable access to justice, particularly for vulnerable populations. As Goldman continues to support Kavanaugh, his case serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated legal professionals can have on the lives of those in need.