Carmel Valley resident named one of San Diego’s ‘Men Who Make a Difference’

Chris McGrath, president of the board of San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program (SDVLP), a nonprofit organization that provides free civil legal services to thousands of low-income San Diegans annually, has been named by SD METRO magazine as one of 17 “Men Who Make A Difference” in the San Diego community. McGrath, his wife, Felice, and their two children live in Carmel Valley.

McGrath, who is also a partner at the law firm of Paul Hastings in addition to being the volunteer leader of SDVLP, was selected by SD METRO for his role in helping more than 5,000 of San Diego’s most vulnerable citizens, 80 percent of whom are women and children, receive free legal services. SDVLP is celebrating its 30th year of service in 2013 and is the largest provider of pro bono (free) legal services in San Diego.

Additionally, McGrath was also honored for his role in supervising young attorneys at his firm who handle pro bono asylum cases for Casa Cornelia in San Diego, which assists victims of human and civil rights violations.

A lawyer for 23 years, McGrath’s practice encompasses securities and complex litigation. His clients include pharmaceutical companies, defense and security contractors and retirement systems. Among his career highlights is serving as co-counsel on a case that was argued before the U.S. Supreme Court.

McGrath is a Master in the America Inns of Court and regularly hosts first-year oral argument competitions for USD law students. He was voted by his peers as one of the Best Lawyers in America (2010 – 2013) and as a Southern California Super Lawyer.

For more information on the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, visit www.sdvlp.org.