Behind the Gift: A Conversation With Bay Area Legal’s Largest Individual Donor
In 2023, retired Carlton Fields shareholder and longtime Bay Area Legal supporter Mark A. Brown quietly pledged the largest individual gift in our nearly 60-year history as an anonymous donor.
At Bay Area Legal’s request, and as access to justice faces growing uncertainty, Mark agreed to be identified as the donor and share his story in the hope it might encourage others to give. In this conversation, he reflects on the experiences that shaped his commitment to service, the personal reasons behind his support, and his decision to establish the Woltmann Endowment to help sustain legal services for those who need them most.
Mark A. Brown, Richard C. Woltmann Endowment and Pillars of Justice Founding Donor
A Conversation With Mark A. Brown:
You’ve been connected with Bay Area Legal Services for many years. How did that relationship begin? What led you to wanting to serve this cause?
"I began as a pro bono volunteer at Bay Area Legal my first year as a lawyer in 1980. I knew how important legal problems can be for everyone, yet only some in our community have the financial resources to get help. I wanted to assist those who otherwise would not have been able to help themselves."
Looking back, is there a moment or accomplishment with Bay Area that stands out as especially meaningful to you?
"Many years ago Congress was threatening to defund the Legal Services Corporation, which provides significant funding to local legal aid organizations. I was able to assist Bay Area Legal in getting an in-person meeting with a U.S. Representative in the Tampa Bay region who was expected to vote to defund. Based on the presentation by local Bay Area Legal attorneys, the Congressman completely changed his views, and not only voted to continue funding, but helped convince other colleagues to do the same."
Why did you decide to allow Bay Area Legal to share your identity? What is your hope for the philanthropic and legal communities to take away from this?
"I was recently asked by the former Executive Director of Bay Area Legal to speak to a group of former Board Chairs and Officers and share with them why I chose to make the contribution I did in the hope that my story might motivate them to also make major contributions. To do so, of course, meant removing the cloak of anonymity from my donation. So, I agreed to be identified as the donor, speak with several prominent members of the legal profession who were previously in the leadership at Bay Area Legal, and explain how I came to make the donation I did. Now we’ll see if this leads to others making substantial contributions as well."
From your perspective, why is it important for lawyers, philanthropists, and businesses to support their local legal aid organization?
"Unfortunately people face life-changing legal problems all the time. From housing, to jobs, to medical needs, to family issues. If you do not know your rights or how to navigate the legal system, you could end up losing your home, your job, needed medication, or access to a loved family member. This not only has a traumatic impact on the individual, but weakens our community as a whole. Everyone has an interest in helping."
What about the new endowment's potential excites you most, and how do you hope it will strengthen our work and community?
"Simply stated, Bay Area Legal Services changes people’s lives on a daily basis. As I mentioned previously, people in our community are regularly threatened with the loss of their homes, their jobs, medical benefits, contact with family members, and the like. The Woltmann Endowment will allow Bay Area Legal to advise these people on their legal rights, assist them in navigating the maze of our legal system, and advocate for them when they lack the skills to effectively do so themselves."
The need for civil legal help has never been greater, and yet the funding that keeps legal aid alive is constantly at risk. When federal and grant support is threatened or reduced, those losses ripple through our entire justice system and economy. That’s why private support is essential to a community’s well-being.”
What advice would you give to people who want to make a difference in their community?
"I encourage anyone who can to volunteer at the charity of their choice. There are many wonderful organizations in our community. But in my view, before making a substantial financial contribution, it's important to really lift the hood and get to know the charity from top to bottom. Over the course of my life, I have worked with many charitable organizations, and given donations to many more. After careful reflection, I decided on Bay Area for my major contribution because of all of them, I felt best about Bay Area Legal."
Can you describe any of the tax benefits that can be realized from a contribution?
A large charitable contribution can substantially reduce the taxes you would otherwise pay the government, but of course you need to confer with your tax advisor on the particulars of your situation. Significantly to me, however, it also allows you to decide where money you otherwise would pay in taxes goes, as opposed to just letting the politicians in Washington decide how to spend those same dollars."
What inspired the idea behind the Pillars of Justice Society?
"Bay Area Legal's new Pillars of Justice Society recognizes those who step forward — with their time, their resources, and their leadership — to keep access to justice strong for everyone. Attorneys and philanthropists who understand what’s at stake are the ones who can ensure that help is there when someone needs it most."
Do you have any final advice for people who are considering making a major contribution to Bay Area Legal?
"Yes. Come on in. The water’s fine."
Apply for Services
Apply by phone Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., or apply online anytime for non-emergency legal matters. Language interpreters are available to you at no cost.
Bay Area Legal Services
If you live or have a case in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, or Sarasota counties, we may be able to help.
Statewide Legal Helplines
If you live or have a case in Florida, we may be able to help.