by Ayesha Rafi

The impact of community service vastly exceeds the costs of such efforts, and the rewards are deeply rooted in the community it serves. Ethan Minshull, a business litigation associate at Gruber Hurst Johansen Hail Shank, LLP, can certainly claim he has done more than his fair share of volunteering, and from the looks of it, the young lawyer is only getting started.

Shortly after graduating from Southern Methodist University, Ethan worked for the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, supporting legal clinics, running cases day-to-day, and convincing Dallas lawyers to take pro bono cases. Ethan’s time at DVAP ultimately strengthened his core belief in the influence of lawyers in the community. He believes that lawyers hold an exclusive place in society as gatekeepers of legal accessibility, and feels that it is their responsibility to use their legal education for more than just personal or professional gain.

After growing up all over the DFW Metroplex, Ethan gained perspective while attending law school at Tulane in New Orleans. He arrived on the Dallas legal scene with an eager enthusiasm for community service, and tirelessly pursued a law career founded on effort and hard work.

Although Ethan considers himself lucky to be surrounded by excellent lawyers, a standout among them has been Judge Martin Hoffman of the 68th District Court. “I was fortunate to be one of Judge Hoffman’s clerks, and learned the impact of mentoring from one of the best in town. He has continued to help and advise me since I left the court, and has shown me the importance of mentoring and community involvement,” said Ethan in regard to Judge Hoffman’s mentoring.

Ethan is proud of his own mentoring, as well, and has coached the Townview ESSM mock trial team for the last two years. Dallas ISD selected Gruber Hurst as the DISD Outstanding Small Business Partner of the Year for Ethan`s work with the mock trial team. Ethan also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity in South Dallas, is a member of several legal organizations, and has logged over 100 hours of pro bono work in the last year.

Ethan Minshull is a Fellow of the DAYL Foundation, DAYL Social Committee Co-Chair, and a Co-Chair for the DAYL Charity Ball, which is hosting a charity event in November to support Dallas’ fight against urban blight. Throughout his generous service to the Dallas community and endearing passion for the law, Ethan is DAYL’s One to Watch.