News & Knowledge

FormanWatkins is proud to recognize Sampada Kapoor and Colby Rogers as the recipients of the firm’s 2025 Pro Bono All-Star and Civic Star awards. These annual honors celebrate attorneys and staff members who exemplify the Firm’s unwavering commitment to equal access to justice and meaningful community engagement.

Pro Bono All-Star: Sampada Kapoor

Sampada Kapoor has been named the 2025 Pro Bono All-Star for her exceptional dedication to pro bono service. Kapoor contributed nearly 150 hours of pro bono work in 2025, with a majority devoted to representing a client in a complex juvenile life without parole case, advocacy that directly impacts one of the most vulnerable populations in our justice system.

Kapoor’s commitment reflects the Firm’s core belief that every individual deserves quality legal representation.

Civic Star: Colby Rogers

Colby Rogers has been honored with the 2025 Civic Star award in recognition of her extraordinary community service, dedicating nearly 700 hours to organizations that strengthen our community and state. Rogers’ service spanned leadership roles within the Junior League of Jackson, Make-A-Wish Mississippi, the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation and the Mississippi Business Development Board of Directors.

Her tireless commitment to service demonstrates the breadth of impact that dedicated individuals can have across multiple sectors of community need.

A Legacy of Service

These individual achievements are part of FormanWatkins’ broader eight-year commitment to pro bono and civic engagement. Since establishing a formalized pro bono program, the Firm has:

• Contributed more than 18,400 civic hours to community organizations and initiatives
• Provided nearly 12,000 pro bono hours across critical practice areas including veterans assistance, family law, appellate matters, immigration, education, legal clinics, and post-conviction innocence work
• Donated more than $3 million in legal services to those who need it most

At FormanWatkins, we believe that ensuring equal access to justice and legal resources is not just a professional responsibility, it is a fundamental value that defines who we are as a Firm. We are grateful to have team members who embody this commitment through daily work and service.

Learn more about FormanWatkins’ Pro Bono and Civic Engagement initiatives here.