CSG Law’s Jason Holt Named 2024 Volunteer of the Year By Volunteer Lawyers for Justice
Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC (“CSG Law”) is pleased to announce that Jason Holt, Co-Chair of CSG Law’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee, is Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s (“VLJ”) 2024 Michael R. Griffinger Volunteer of the Year. This award, inspired by founding VLJ Trustee Michael R. Griffinger, recognizes the exemplary pro bono efforts of an individual lawyer.
Jason, a Member of CSG Law’s Real Estate and Environmental Groups and Cannabis Law Team, was recognized for his extensive time with VLJ’s Tenancy, Expungement, and Veterans Programs. The VLJ said in its announcement that Jason’s “deep understanding of government and the judicial system equips him with the skills to provide invaluable assistance to VLJ clients seeking expungements.”
“We’re all just human beings trying to live the best life we can with the tools we have,” Holt said of his work with the VLJ. “Our job as volunteers is to help them get to that plateau where they feel they’re living their highest and best life.”
In addition to his work with the VLJ, Jason has for years pursued justice on behalf of another set of clients – members of the all-Black 24th Infantry Regiment, better known as the Buffalo soldiers. More than a century ago, more than 100 Black soldiers were court-martialed – 19 of whom were wrongfully executed – in the aftermath of the 1917 Houston riot following a trial marred by racism.
For years, Jason, a descendent of one the executed soldiers, and others have petitioned the U.S. Army to review and overturn the rulings in these cases. In 2023, the U.S. Army finally set aside these soldiers’ convictions, corrected their records, and restored their honors. Jason’s efforts were recently featured on CBS Sunday Morning and Law360.
For more than 20 years, the VLJ has pursued its mission to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty. To learn more about this award and the VLJ, please visit the VLJ’s announcement here.
Visit csglaw.com/award-methodology for additional details on the selection process for the above-mentioned recognitions.