By now, I\u2019m certain that you have heard that the Freed to Run event is taking place Oct. 3, 2026. You probably also know that this is the 10th annual Freed to Run.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But did you know that Mike Freed, the namesake of the event and biggest supporter who not only lends his name (and wear and tear on his running shoes) to this event, also takes pro bono cases for Jacksonville Area Legal Aid?<\/p>\n
Most recently, Freed, colleagues and team tackled a case involving a family who purchased what they thought was a safe and reliable home only to find out there were significant structural issues.<\/p>\n
One quote had the repairs estimated at more than $17,000. \u00a0Freed agreed to talk with the family in April 2023 and agreed to accept the case, pro bono, in May 2023. This case then followed the normal path of litigation and finally came to a close in July 2026.<\/p>\n
The family received a healthy jury award that supports fixing their home and compensating them for their losses.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Freed was joined by attorney Becky Walker, who served as second chair, and Nick Bragg, a summer associate at Gunster. Freed also recognized Denise Culmer, who provided legal assistance throughout this case.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Freed and his team gave this family the peace of mind they deserved.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnother Pro Bono Success\u201d is how Freed titled the email to JALA, and we could not have said it better.<\/p>\n
If you would like more information on the Freed to Run, visit www.jaxlegalaid.org\/freedtorun<\/a>.<\/p>\n