Louise Nixon was honored as “Pro-Bono Attorney of the Year” by the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law at its April 2012 gala Theater reception and fundraiser. The Center is one of the most innovative legal programs in the nation designed specifically for low income families in turmoil. Louise Nixon regularly provides free legal advice and QDROs to help obtain funds for the poor from estranged ex-spouses’ pension benefits for the Center.

From the Awards Ceremony:

“Awarded to a volunteer lawyer who has provided substantial and extraordinary service in a case or cases, or in a subject matter, providing relief to a client or clients who without the assistance, would have been irreparably injured.

Carrying the title as a pension expert, lawyer Louise Nixon offered her professional expertise without charge to the Center as a volunteer many years ago. “Preparing Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for the Center was such a natural way for me to be able to give back; I did not hesitate to take on the work.” Louise, a well-liked solo practitioner specializing in employee benefit law, struck out on her own after a decade in corporate practice, shortly after joining the Center. Known for giving her all to her clients, Louise’s addition to the Center’s “QDRO” team added a great resource to the clients seeking some future economic security, allowing the Center to offer a free legal service that other legal aid programs cannot provide.

Louise’s contributions to the Center go far beyond the 250 hours of volunteer service and the 25 QDRO cases she has undertaken for the Center. In 2008 Louise joined the Center’s Board of Directors, further her passion and advocacy for the Center’s role in the community. ‘The Center does such unbelievable work helping those without meaningful access to our legal system. The Center is truly the last hope for so many in LA. I feel like no dime given to the Center is wasted.’”

For more information about the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law:
http://www.hbcfl.org/