The responsibilities are always there: A seemingly constant stream of client requests, recordkeeping duties and opportunities to collaborate with colleagues beckons attorneys to forgo free time and spend every waking hour in front of their computers. However, on January 30, 2025, a team from BakerHostetler’s Dallas office paused work matters to benefit children in need who live thousands of miles away – “stepping away from our desks and into a cause bigger than ourselves,” wrote Nicola Hobeiche, vice president of legal affairs for firm client TaxAct, in a LinkedIn post.
Partner Craig Carpenter assembled 14 volunteers to join employees of the tax preparation software company at a warehouse in Richardson, Texas, where they prepared meals for Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit dedicated to ending world hunger. The organization has developed, packaged and delivered nutritious meal formulas for the past 25 years, offering hope to malnourished children in 112 countries.
Youth in Kenya were the recipients of BakerHostetler’s goodwill. Those who packaged meals alongside TaxAct included Partners Carpenter, Bethany Lukitsch, Jordan Bethea, Shawn Cleveland, and Matt Hunsaker; Counsel Ambika Singhal; and Associates Jarrett Mendoza, Valerie Morrow, Jeremy Kustoff, Tanner Daniels, Dalton Eschberger and Colson Ginger; Administrator David Carr; and Receptionist Rachel Enos.
“In our daily work, we focus on solving complex legal challenges, but today was something extra special,” Hobeiche wrote in her post after the volunteerism. “Together, we packed meals, shared laughs, and reflected on the impact a few hours of service can have on children in need.”