L. David Shear

In 1967, L. David Shear and several other local attorneys applied for a grant that would fund a small law firm devoted solely to pro bono work. Once funded, the firm was named “Law Inc.” This law firm would later become Bay Area Legal Services, which presently handles nearly 14,000 legal aid cases annually amongst a staff of 160.

A leader at heart, David found himself on the board of many organizations. He was the president and chair of the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay, and also served as the president of the Florida Bar in 1979-1980. At this time, he headed the effort to establish the Interest on Lawyers Trust Account Program (IOLTA), which is now used across the nation as a large source of funding for legal aid groups. In addition, David was a longtime chairperson for Bay Area Legal Services’ Development Council, where he helped lead with strategic fundraising efforts.

Though he specialized in corporate and real estate law, David’s commitment to protecting the rights of children through countless hours of pro bono service is etched into his legacy. Today, Bay Area Legal Services’ L. David Shear Children’s Law Center represents children in the foster care system.

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