Jillian Estes – Associate
Congratulations to James Hoyer Law Firm Associate Jillian Estes. She is the winner of this year’s Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Young Lawyer Award in Florida’s Thirteenth Judicial Circuit.
Jillian successfully represented a father from Denmark in a parental abduction case involving his eight year old daughter. The child was wrongfully retained in Florida in violation of the Hague Convention, an international treaty which requires that children must be returned to their home country to settle custody disputes. Father and daughter were reunited and have now returned to Denmark.
The father wrote in support of Jillian, “I think Jill Estes should receive the award not only based on her legal skills and professionalism, but indeed also for the dedication and for her empathic and warm qualities which helped me through this whole ordeal.”
Before going to law school, Jillian worked in the International Division of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Alexandria, Virginia. “I’m incredibly honored to be recognized for this work which is very near and dear to my heart. It was working with the families of abducted children that inspired me to go to law school, and now, it is my privilege to give back and help when I can.”
Jillian was commended by Pro Bono Committee Chair Judge Ashley Moody who said, “Your outstanding commitment to pro bono service is an inspiration to all attorneys.” Jillian will be recognized by the judges of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit at the Annual Pro Bono Awards Ceremony in April. Please join us in congratulating Jillian.
