Jacksonville, FL – Former staff attorney Stacey DeVall has rejoined Jacksonville Area Legal Aid as deputy director of pro bono, bringing more than a decade of legal experience and a long-standing commitment to public service and access to justice.
She previously served as a staff attorney in the St. Johns County office from 2020 to 2021. For the past four years, she served as a General Magistrate for Florida’s Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, where she presided over a variety of family law matters including temporary, final, and post-judgment hearings.
“We are thrilled to have Stacey return to JALA,” said Aaron Irving, Director of Pro Bono at JALA. “She is perfect for this role. Her deep legal expertise, dedication to pro bono service, and knowledge of the court system will strengthen our pro bono program.”
DeVall holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mary Washington and earned her Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2012. Long before becoming a licensed attorney, her journey in service began in 2006 as a licensed foster parent in Virginia, where she ultimately adopted a child as a single parent.
“My interest in the law grew out of being a foster parent,” DeVall said. “It exposed me to the law and took me into a courtroom for the first time. The experience made me want to help other children and families.”
Throughout law school and her legal career, DeVall has been a dedicated advocate, serving as a volunteer Guardian ad Litem and pro bono Attorney ad Litem in dependency cases. While running her own law firm, she consistently maintained a caseload of pro bono clients.
“I am looking forward to helping others find the deep satisfaction I have found from helping those who cannot help themselves,” DeVall said.
In her new role, DeVall will assist in leading and expanding JALA’s Pro Bono Unit, which serves 17 counties across North Florida. While the Unit has historically focused on Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns counties, DeVall will help grow pro bono services in rural counties such as Baker and Bradford. This expansion of services is made possible through the increased support of Funding Florida Legal Aid, which distributes funds from Florida’s Interest on Trust Accounts program to legal aid organizations.
“I am excited to be back at JALA and to help grow the pro bono program,” DeVall said. “JALA is a fantastic place to work and does so much good for the communities it serves, and now we will help even more people.”
Attorneys can do pro bono work in-person or remotely and can take on case representation or engage in time-limited activities such as clinics. Volunteers receive support such as access to Westlaw, malpractice coverage, cost assistance for clients, expert resources, and more. For more information or to get involved, visit www.jaxlegalaid.org/pro-bono or contact the Pro Bono Unit at ProBonoStaff@jaxlegalaid.org.
About Jacksonville Area Legal Aid
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid is a nonprofit law firm focused on delivering economic, social and housing justice to low-income and at-risk individuals and families on the First Coast.
