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Community Involvement

Justine Fanarof practices law with heart and seeks to both be involved in her community and to help others get involved.

There is a concept in Judaism known as Tikkun Olam, or “healing the world,” which involves choosing the right action, doing good, volunteering, and performing charity work. Within the legal profession there is a strong call to do pro bono work; however, there is no requirement in Texas for lawyers to do so. How and if an attorney decides to give back is a personal choice. For Justine, the obvious choice is to commit to healing the world.

With extensive experience in pro bono mentoring, Justine consults with lawyers, law firms, and businesses regarding the setup, maintenance, and practice of Tikkun Olam and pro bono work. Through her community-based consulting practice she has gained extensive knowledge of local nonprofit organizations, the people involved with each, and the complex political environments in which they exist. To help those in genuine need, Justine works with individuals and groups to tailor appropriate short- and long-term opportunities to be of service in the Houston community.

Justine Fanarof’s Community Involvement

In the community, Justine serves on the Board of Directors of two incredible non-profit organizations, Houston Coalition Against Hate (HCAH) and Mind Oasis. As Board President of HCAH she works thoughtfully, creatively, and collaboratively with HCAH staff and its network of community based-organizations, institutions, and leaders to reduce hate and encourage belonging.

Justine’s non-profit board skillset includes legal counsel, advocacy, fundraising, networking, brand development, human resources, DIEJ (diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice), and strategic development.

She is a member of the Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative and Healthcare for the Homeless. A foodie, Justine serves as an advocate for women in the food and beverage service industry and is on the Professional Advisory Team for I’ll Have What She’s Having.

Justine provides pro bono legal representation and counsel to Central American migrant children through a partnership with Kids In Need of Defense. Justine has taught yoga and mindfulness since 2004, and enjoys sharing her passion for community and wellness by volunteering in diverse communities, including teaching Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers, veterans with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder, staff at San Jose Clinic, and children at the Houston Area Women’s Center.

Justine has worked with many corporations, universities, non-profits, and religious institutions, including:

 

It’s a rare person in this world to say, “It’s going to be hard but we need to have this conversation.” Justine does just this. In doing so she fosters a solution through action environment. She has this way of dealing with very challenging issues and people, bringing communication, negotiation, deep listening, and presence together. She creates a path that lets me know I’m supported and everything is going to be ok.
And she’s just really ethical.

Monica Pope Chef/Owner, Sparrow Cookshop

I am so grateful that I had you as my advocate and supporter through this process. THANK YOU.

Dr. Carmen Timberlake

Justine is a dedicated and articulate attorney with a passion for making the world a better place. She is also a quick study, with good judgment and an engaging personality that makes her a delight to have as a colleague.

Steven Freeman VP of Civil Rights, Anti-Defamation League

Justine is very responsive to the needs of her clients. I recently worked with Justine to review a contract and she completed a thorough analysis within a one week time frame as requested.

Maria Eva Infection Control Manager at Houston Methodist

I wanted to reach out and thank you once again for such a spectacular presentation last Friday. I received great feedback and many have asked for the recording. I feel like it was just what we all needed to help us refocus and “find our zen.” Thank you!!!!

Monica Mensah Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, University of Houston Law Center

I really, really enjoyed your class. Driving home I thought that every law firm in Houston should hire you! Clerks and new lawyers need these skill sets.

As I said at the Jung Center, your practices are better than a glass of wine. I continue to do your shoulder exercises and spinal twist. I felt these stretches for days. Please keep me on your list for other seminars. Thanks again.

Sally Shaw Jefferson Energy

Justine helped me write a poignant agreement contract for both my clients and me to follow. It was a clean document that was easy to understand and gave both sides of the table a solid foundation to work from. I would happily use Justine again for any work that involved finding common ground to then work from.

Ileya Grosman, M.Ed. Client

I wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed the course at the Jung Center. I have attended mindfulness trainings for lawyers led by non-lawyers & yoga classes taught by former lawyers, but yours was the first I have attended that was taught by someone who really understood and sustained both practices at the same time. I found the course very accessible and felt connected to and inspired by your experience -- thank you!

Andrea Randisi TX & CA Licensed Attorney

Even having practiced law myself, I never really resonated with the term “counselor at law”. When I started working with Justine, that changed. Instead of simply reacting to the legal issue at hand, we discuss the totality of the circumstances. She understands that my business is an extension of me, and she counsels me, legally and emotionally, accordingly.

Elizabeth Whitehead

As a new entrepreneur, I reached out to Justine to write my first business contract. I trusted that Justine would create a fair, collaborative contract that would not intimidate my clients, and would protect me and my work. She thoughtfully listened to my needs and came up with creative solutions, not giving me a cookie-cutter contract. As a multi-faceted business owner herself, Justine appreciates the intricacies of being a service provider and maintaining clients' trust. Justine is extremely professional, yet maintains mindfulness in all her endeavors. I could not recommend her any more highly!

Patricia Trachtenberg Studio T Interiors

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We focus on helping individuals and companies with outsourced general counsel activities, mindfulness and diversity training, alternative dispute resolution, nonprofit advocacy, business transactions, government relations, and other business consulting services. Find out how we can help your law firm or business.

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