NSU Law Graduates Honored for Exceptional Pro Bono Service

Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law recently recognized 75 graduating students for their extraordinary commitment to pro bono legal service, collectively contributing an impressive 13,131 hours through NSU Law’s Van Horn Law Group Pro Bono Honor Program. 

The program has experienced nearly 50% growth in completed hours over the past three years, reflecting a growing dedication to serving the community.

“We couldn’t be more proud of what the Van Horn Law Group Pro Bono Honor Program has achieved,” said Chad Van Horn, Esq., founding partner of Van Horn Law Group, P.A. and NSU Law alumnus. “It’s inspiring to see so many students embracing the value of pro bono work—not just for the professional experience, but for the lives they touch. We are also deeply grateful to Jennifer Gordon, NSU’s Director of Public Interest Programs and Adjunct Professor, whose leadership has been instrumental in the program’s success. On behalf of our entire team, it’s an honor to support this important initiative.”

Van Horn served as emcee at the recognition ceremony, which celebrated not only the student’s service but also faculty and legal professionals who have made outstanding contributions to public service. NSU Law Professor Tenikka Jones received the 2025 Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award for the 11th Judicial Circuit, while Fort Lauderdale attorney Jenelle La Chuisa was honored with the same award for the 17th Judicial Circuit.

Top honors went to 12 students who completed more than 300 hours of pro bono service: Ana Bettencourt, Brooke Boyd, Alexis Hussar, Ameer Kahok, Shelly Klein, Nisa Moses, Alisha Motiwala, Melissa Prio, Daniel Quintero, Sommer Sandler, Sara Singer, and Alfred Tahmasian. The remaining honorees contributed between 50 and 299 hours of service each.

Van Horn and his team at Van Horn Law Group have handled more than 340 pro bono cases, exemplifying their commitment to justice and community service.

“By supporting NSU Law’s pro bono efforts, our goal is to help foster a generation of attorneys who will make pro bono work a lasting part of their legal careers,” said Van Horn. “Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

“We are so thankful for the support Mr. Van Horn has provided to NSU Law and the powerful example of pro bono service he represents,” added NSU Law Interim Dean Olympia Duhart.  “We are especially proud of our own Jennifer Gordon and all the students she supervises for the extraordinary legal services they provide to the community. This pro bono work demonstrates NSU Law’s commitment to the highest principles of the legal profession.”

Van Horn Law Group, P.A., ranked among the top five bankruptcy law firms in the nation by number of cases filed (pacer.gov), is committed to restoring peace of mind for individuals facing financial hardship. The firm provides accessible, compassionate, and affordable legal services in areas including personal and corporate bankruptcy, student loan litigation, foreclosure defense, corporate reorganization, debt negotiation, and consumer law.

Chad Van Horn, author of Everything You Need to Know About Bankruptcy in Florida and The Debt Life, is certified in both business and consumer bankruptcy law. Van Horn Law Group is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, with additional offices in Doral, Miramar, and Orlando. For more information, call (954) 637-0000 or visit www.vanhornlawgroup.com.

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