Baylor Law Veterans Clinic Recognizes Two Waco Attorneys for their Pro Bono Service to Central Texas Veterans

Baylor Law Veterans Clinic Director Josh Borderud (L) and Dean Brad Toben (R) with the 2021 Advocates of the Year, Darren Obenoskey and Gavin Lane.

WACO

On Friday, November 5th, Baylor University School of Law’s Veterans Clinic honored Waco attorneys Gavin Lane and Darren Obenoskey with its Advocate of the Year Awards. The annual awards are given to volunteer attorneys who go above and beyond in pro bono legal service to Central Texas veterans and their spouses in the past year.

Gavin Lane (JD '16), of the Zimmerman Law Firm, has been a pro bono volunteer with the legal advice clinics at the Heart of Texas Veterans One Stop for over six years, beginning when he was a law student at Baylor. "Gavin is a regular volunteer at the monthly clinics and has a heart for those who served," stated clinic director Josh Borderud. "As a civil litigator, he provides good counsel and passionate service to those veterans who need guidance navigating lawsuits."

Darren Obenoskey (JD '90), a solo practitioner who specializes in criminal defense and family law in Waco, has overseen several pro bono family law cases for veterans in recent years through the Baylor Law Veterans clinic. He has shepherded three of those clients to a final divorce decree. "Of all of our volunteer lawyers, Darren is one of the best at swiftly and effectively resolving disputes for our clients,” stated Borderud. "His proven record of serving those who served in the family law arena is inspirational."

"It is always an honor to work with the veterans who come to the legal clinic," Stated attorney Gavin Lane. "We all have gifts and skills that we can use to help each other. Our veterans have invested their lives into our country and society, so it is my pleasure to invest my time, effort, and skills into them." Fellow recipient Darren Obenoskey echoed Lane’s sentiments. Having a family member who served five tours in Iraq and Afghanistan made the decision to use his legal training to assist veterans an easy one. "My wife Laura and I have a son-in-law who recently retired after serving twenty years in the Army. We are familiar with the sacrifices our military members and their families have made. When Josh called and asked if I would be interested in helping with the program, it was an easy 'yes' as a way to show Steve and our other veterans I appreciate what they have given for the rest of us."

Since its founding in 2012 by Professor of Law Bridget Fuselier, the Veterans Clinic has served, for free, thousands of veterans and their spouses. Baylor Law recently announced that through the Veterans Clinic, Baylor Law students will offer free estate planning for veterans and their spouses as part of Baylor Law's 2021 Veterans Day commemorations.

Previous Recipients
 

2020 – Carlie C. Gause and Lori Krasienko (JD ’02)
2019 – Jon R. Ker and Mark S. Knapp (JD ’72)
2018 – Janette Baldwin (JD ’89) and Garrett Beach (JD ’16)
2017 – Jack Rochelle and Christie Ryan (JD ’08)
2016 – John B. LeJeune (JD ’02)
 

MEDIA CONTACT: Ed Nelson, Director of Marketing & Communications
EMAIL: Ed_Nelson@Baylor.edu 
PHONE: 254-710-6681
 

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