Tom Mew, Of Counsel with the firm, has been involved with ServiceJuris for the last six years, first as a volunteer and then as an active member of the ServiceJuris Steering Committee.
ServiceJuris gathers volunteers from law firms, law schools, courts, corporate in-house legal departments, bar associations, and companies associated with the legal community for a day of community service and volunteerism. Over the past eleven years, over 5,500 ServiceJuris volunteers have participated in this great event.
In preparation for the big day, the first step is reviewing proposals and then selecting a project from the many deserving organizations. Tom is active in this selection process. Once the project is identified, he participates on one of many subcommittees to lead and assist in the planning and organization. Tom assists with organizing volunteers from the firm and is right there with the other volunteers on ServiceJuris Day.
The project site for 2011 was in the Lakewood Heights Community. Lakewood Heights was originally established as residential area and was populated by many General Motors workers. The areas growth and development peaked in the 1960’s and with the construction of the I75/I85 freeway connector and industrial outmigration, the area went into decline. Today, a number of organizations are dedicated to reshaping Lakewood Heights into a safer, more enriching, and environmentally sustainable community. Volunteers from the community worked to transform a number of areas, including the homes of several senior residents, revitalization in South Bend Park, streetscaping along Lakewood Avenue and landscaping at South View Cemetery. Rogers & Hardin was assigned specifically to the Whitehead Boys and Girls Club. Volunteers worked to dress up and revitalize the area, spruce up the grounds, build community gardens, plant flowers, and paint side walk games for neighborhood children.
Coming together on a large project for the good of the community with other legal community colleagues is rewarding. Rogers & Hardin sponsors ServiceJuris and fully supports the firm's participation in this important volunteer day. As well, Tom is glad to be active participant in an organization that has such a large and immediate impact on the community.