KCMBF’s Military Matters is proud to shine the April Pro Bono Spotlight on Gerald Gray, II!
We spoke with Gerald about his law practice, G. Gray Law LLC, and what enables him to help his clients.
When did you get involved with Military Matters?
I can’t remember what year, but it was pre-pandemic as I recall within the last five years.
Who or what catalyzed your desire to work in the legal field?
My mother wanted me to be a judge but that is not my calling. I got serious about the legal field when I started a family and wanted to be in a position to give my children all the opportunities and advantages life could offer while also being in a position to help others by doing lifechanging work.
Can you depict a rewarding experience you’ve had while providing counsel to a client?
I represented a client in an employment case many years ago. When I took over, there were previous lawyers who believed the case was a loser and opposing counsel told me that the Defendant was planning to fire my client if he did not resign. The client said he did not care about the result but knew that I would try my best, which is what sold me on accepting the case. In the end, we not only received a hefty six figure settlement but instead of him being fired, the wrongdoers were fired, which was a first in my book. In the end, someone who was miserable going to work now found joy in his job.
What provides you with fortitude when managing a dense caseload?
Thinking about the alternative of having no clients, no income, or even worse, punching a clock, which I did for many years prior to joining the legal profession. Further, I get joy in helping others and being able to work on my terms. I work nights, weekends, holidays, birthdays, vacations, (no days off is my moto). But I never miss dinner with my family, I never miss an event at school, or a game. In it all, I try to remember why I do it for and stay grounded in my roots being my Christian faith, my family, and my drive effect change.
How would you encourage a peer to volunteer their time and services to a pro or low bono legal aid service?
I would tell them to see what pro bono services they are passionate about and to get involved because there is a blessing in all of it. Paid or unpaid.