Author: Brennen Martin
“It’s important to provide top-notch client service, but also providing that elite client service for pro bono clients who otherwise couldn’t afford it generally is very important in our community… we can use the skills that we have to serve.”
Coming from a family of Attorneys, Nick Thompson swore to himself that he would never go to law school. Early on, he set his sights on going to medical school and becoming a physician. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry and a Masters’s in Molecular Biology, with full intentions of pursuing a career in medicine. His goals in continuing his education were halted when he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals to play professional baseball. After three years of playing in the big leagues, Thompson retired, and faced with a difficult decision on what would be best for his family, he ultimately decided to pursue a law career.
Just days after applying to Law School at William & Mary, he received an acceptance letter. It was a full-circle moment for Nick, as he found himself pursuing law at the same place where both his parents obtained their degrees. Thompson now works at Hunton Andrews Kurth in Richmond as an Associate Attorney, working on their Energy Infrastructure Team. Nick was connected with the Greater Richmond Bar Foundation (GRBF) through his practice at Hunton. He knew that he had the right set of skills to leverage and wanted to be a part of GRBF’s mission to bridge the Justice Gap. Thompson is also an adjunct professor at William & Mary and helps with their Elder and Disability Law Clinic, where he assists in many of the same ways he does with GRBF Wills Clinics.
Since he was in law school, Thompson has made a point to dedicate part of his extra time to pro bono work. He believes that along with the power of being an attorney comes the responsibility of giving back to the community. There are many out there in need of legal assistance, and he has found that his experience working with these clients has been really touching and meaningful. “Most of the time, our clients are underserved, underrepresented individuals in our communities, and being able to fill that need and to fill that void is a great feeling.”
Thompson also emphasized the certain level of ease that comes with pro bono work. Despite a full-time job and helping his wife with their children, he has ensured that he gives part of his time back to his local community. “It’s important to provide top-notch client service, but also providing that elite client service for pro bono clients who otherwise couldn’t afford it generally is very important in our community… we can use the skills that we have to serve,” Nick says.
Outside of the innate responsibility to help others that comes with being an attorney, Thompson has loved the personal connections he has made. Seeing the appreciation on the client’s faces more than reassures the importance of what he is doing, and the importance of giving back to the community.
For opportunities to do pro bono work, reach out to GRBF Executive Director, Ami Kim, at akim@grbf.org, or Administrative Director, Shane Harper, at admin@grbf.org.