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Read more about some of the great Pro Bono work being done at Alston & Bird.

Alston & Bird Pro Bono Team Secures Precedent-Setting Victory Under the Georgia Survivor Justice Act

Burby, Joey

Alston & Bird, in partnership with the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence and its Justice for Incarcerated Survivors Program, secured a landmark win for a client under the new Survivor Justice Act (SJA). The Alston & Bird team filed a petition for resentencing for pro bono client Nicole Boynton, who was convicted of felony murder and aggravated assault and sentenced to life in prison in 2002. Boynton, who was 18 years old at the time of her offense, had acted to protect herself from her abusive then-boyfriend and father of her son.

Shortly before Boynton’s hearing, the Cobb County district attorney consented to the relief requested in the petition. The court ruled that Boynton was entitled to resentencing pursuant to the SJA, which recognizes that survivors of violence should not be condemned to spend their lives in prison for actions taken in the shadow of abuse; requires courts to consider evidence of family violence, dating violence, and child abuse; and mandates resentencing for individuals when such violence was a significant contributing factor to the offense.

Boynton’s life sentence was vacated, and she was resentenced to time served. She was released from prison that day after spending twenty-three years behind bars. Notably, this is the first time a person serving an active sentence successfully petitioned to be resentenced under the SJA, which was enacted in May 2025. Ms. Boynton entered transitional housing, where she is receiving ongoing support, services, and coaching as she rebuilds her life. Her legal team, who have spent hundreds of hours advocating for her, were celebrated in court for their extraordinary commitment.

The courtroom was filled with emotion as the judge encouraged Ms. Boynton to share her powerful story and praised her bright future ahead. Witnessing Ms. Boynton raise her arms and declare, “I’m free!” was a moment none in attendance will forget. This outcome highlights the Survivor Justice Act’s profound impact and the collective advocacy that brought this legislation to life. It stands as a testament to what is possible when the legal system listens to, believes, and supports survivors.

National Veterans Legal Services Program Win

In working with National Veterans Legal Services Program through the Lawyers Serving Warriors project, an Atlanta-based Partner in the Investment Funds practice group received a favorable decision from The Board of Veterans’ Appeals, granting the client an increased 20% disability rating for his left ankle condition. The VA promptly implemented the decision, resulting in a retroactive payment of almost $10,000 to the veteran client. This successful outcome reflects a very meaningful increase in this client’s ongoing benefits.

Landmark Pro Bono Victory in New York

A NY-based team secured a landmark pro bono victory for their client, who was convicted of murder in 2017. Despite a lack of physical evidence connecting him to the crime, largely based on evidence obtained in violation of the client’s Fifth Amendment rights, the client was found guilty and sentenced to prison. Thanks to our pro bono teams efforts, the judge in the Southern District of New York held that the state court’s admission of that evidence was contrary to, and an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, reversing the conviction—an extraordinary achievement in federal court.

NC Court of Appeals Guardian Ad Litem Win

Through the North Carolina Guardian ad Litem program, a Raleigh-based pro bono team successfully represented the best interests of two siblings who had been removed from their home after experiencing domestic violence and inappropriate discipline. After the trial court terminated the mother’s parental rights, the decision was appealed on several procedural grounds. Working on behalf of the children, our attorneys defended the trial court’s ruling and argued that the proceedings were legally sound. The North Carolina Court of Appeals agreed and affirmed the underlying order. As a result, the children’s path to permanency was preserved, and they are now eligible for adoption, bringing them one step closer to a stable and permanent home.

Supporting Elderly and Disabled Clients through Legal Services NYC

A cross-office team of volunteers worked with clients through Legal Services NYC to support qualified senior citizens and people with disabilities in applying for rent stabilization of their apartments in New York City. The clients, many of whom are living on a fixed income and struggling to cover medical expenses and other bills, can have their rent frozen, with any increases in rent covered by the city through a tax credit to the landlord. With our volunteers’ support, these clients are able to maintain stable housing that might otherwise have become unaffordable.

California Victim Compensation Board Clinic

More than a dozen attorneys and summer associates across the firm participated in an inaugural clinic to assist survivors of human trafficking, organized by Bet Tzedek's Employment Rights Project in collaboration with the Survivor Justice Center and the Sunita Jain Anti-Trafficking Initiative. After the initial clinic, the team is providing ongoing assistance to more than a dozen clients who are actively applying for compensation through the California Victim Compensation Board, which provides qualified applicants up to $20,000 in income-loss benefits along with additional assistance with medical/dental bills, mental health treatment, home security and relocation assistance. By donating their time and expertise, the Alston team not only enabled survivors to navigate a complex, confusing, and time-intensive application process, they've also provided survivors with dignity, support, and reassurance as they pursue healing and recovery.

Support for Local Nonprofits Through Legal CheckUp With Pro Bono Partnership

Dozens of A&B attorneys joined forces with volunteers from a firm client to participate in a Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta clinic designed to identify legal needs for nonprofits across Georgia. Representatives from ten nonprofits participated in the intake clinic, talking through a variety of potential issue areas. The volunteer teams have since taken on more than thirty projects coming out of the clinic, which will allow the nonprofits to have peace of mind as they focus on the critical work they do in the community.