Pro Bono Adventures
Featured Volunteer: David V. Meyer
August 2026
We’re spreading tales of pro bono adventures to highlight the impact that pro bono work can have on someone’s life. This month’s featured volunteer is David Meyer.
David’s Story
Providing pro bono legal services to veterans is as rewarding as it gets. I regularly volunteer at a legal clinic in Denver that’s primarily staffed by a group called Colorado Lawyers for Colorado Veterans. Although veterans’ disability law is my specialty, not every veteran comes seeking that kind of help. Many need assistance with family law, property disputes, estate planning, criminal matters, or other legal issues. You never know what you’re going to encounter.
That proved true during a clinic in 2025 when the moderator approached me and said a veteran in the lobby needed “human trafficking help.” Wow. Since I was the only attorney available—everyone else was already meeting with another veteran—I said yes and escorted her into an office to talk.
I’ll call her Sandy. The moment Sandy sat down and I asked how I could help, she broke into tears. Her so-called boyfriend from Louisiana had brought several young women to Denver for sexual exploitation, and she was one of them.
The gravity of the situation hit me immediately, but we kept talking. I listened as she shared her story, discussed possible next steps with her, and connected her with the National Human Trafficking Hotline.* She was incredibly grateful.
By the end of our nearly two-hour conversation, it was clear Sandy needed more than legal guidance—she needed compassion. I asked if I could give her a hug. “Oh yes, please,” she said. We hugged for about 30 seconds while she sobbed on my shoulder.
I will never forget the emotions flowing through me that day in the legal clinic because I knew deep down that I had truly helped someone.
* Help is available 24/7 at the National Human Trafficking Hotline, by calling (888) 373-7888, by texting “BEFREE” or “HELP” to 233733, or by emailing help@humantraffickinghotline.org.
David Meyer is the founder of a Denver-based law practice dedicated to representing veterans in disability claims. He advocates for veterans before VA regional offices nationwide, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, and the US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. In 2025, he was named an Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow in recognition of his work as a caregiver and his advocacy on behalf of veterans.
Have a pro bono story to share? Send to Casey Frank at probono@caseyfrank.com.
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