Jenelle E. La Chuisa Honored as Recipient of 2025 Florida Legal Award for ESG Impact (Pro Bono)

The law firm of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is pleased to announce that Ft. Lauderdale litigation partner Jenelle E. La Chuisa has been honored by American Lawyer Media (ALM) as the recipient of the 2025 Florida Legal Award in the ESG Impact (Pro Bono) category.

This category honors attorneys and law firms that demonstrate social responsibility through client-focused efforts, pro bono work, charitable projects, and other activities. La Chuisa was presented with the 2025 Florida Legal Award on April 3, 2025, at a ceremony held at the JW Marriott in Miami. View the Daily Business Review's 2025 Florida Legal Awards Winners announcement here.

"We are so proud of Jenelle La Chuisa and her team of dedicated Ft. Lauderdale attorneys and their exemplary record of pro bono service and civic engagement," said Andrew Gordon, partner-in-charge of Hinshaw's Ft. Lauderdale office. "Jenelle has a track record of support in the community spanning 15 years and is a dedicated champion for those in need."

La Chuisa is a litigator and arbitrator who represents individuals and companies in international and domestic business and insurance coverage disputes. She co-chairs Hinshaw's Pro Bono and Community Involvement Committee in Ft. Lauderdale, where she facilitates volunteer opportunities for pro bono projects and community events along with Hinshaw committee co-chair and partner John Weedon.

In 2023 and 2024, La Chuisa individually spent 50 hours organizing, participating in, and leading a team of 18 Hinshaw Ft. Lauderdale attorneys who volunteered for a total of 179 hours for the Broward Lawyers Care Legal Aid Hotline and the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.

La Chuisa and Hinshaw have been previously recognized for their pro bono efforts in Broward County, Fla. In 2025, La Chuisa received The Florida Bar President's Pro Bono Service Award in the 17th Judicial Circuit. In 2024, Hinshaw's Ft. Lauderdale office was named the Legal Aid of Broward County Law Firm of the Year, which is presented annually to a firm that has shown its overall commitment to the organization's work and the clients it serves.

In addition, La Chuisa received the 2024 Russell E. Carlisle Advocacy Award from Legal Aid of Broward County, which is given annually to an advocate whose actions exemplify a personal and professional commitment to making justice available to the poor and disadvantaged. 

Hinshaw attorneys were involved in two key pro bono projects in 2024 and 2023. They provided voluntary legal advice to Broward Legal Aid clients and answered pre-screened questions on legal issues concerning landlords/tenants, foreclosure, family law, debt collection, probate, and related matters.

The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition trained Hinshaw attorneys to represent returning citizens seeking to modify their outstanding fines and fees to community service to restore their right to vote. Nova Southeastern University Law students were matched with volunteer attorneys from Hinshaw to prepare, submit, and present motions to modify on behalf of returning citizens.