Farmington Hills appellate attorney Anne Argiroff is more than just a volunteer, she’s a life saver.

Thanks to her intense dedication and passion for helping victims of domestic and sexual violence, she has given a voice to hundreds of individuals and families who otherwise would not have had one.

Much of Argiroff’s work involves amicus briefs, including one in the US Supreme Court case of Troxel v. Granville, 530 US 57 (2000), where she was a primary author on behalf of domestic violence organizations from five states. She has worked in family law for over 25 years, extending a helping hand to low-income families in need of legal assistance.

Her work has always been recognized by the people she has helped, and the organizations with which she has volunteered her time. And this year, she was nominated for the prestigious John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award, given for excellence in pro bono work.

Fellow attorney Kenneth Penokie, the executive director of Legal Services of Northern Michigan, praised Argiroff for the help she provided to one of his clients in a case involving a mother’s rights to her children. The case lasted five years, making it to the Michigan Supreme Court twice and the appellate courts three times. Argiroff was with Penokie and his client every step of the way as the case worked its way through the judicial system. Although she had her own law practice to run, she offered her time to help his client on a pro bono basis.

According to Penokie, “Anne has literally devoted hundreds of pro bono hours by assisting in complicated family law cases.  To this day, she remains the ‘go-to’ person for family law issues.”

Not only is Argiroff completely dedicated to helping families in need, she is also passionate about extending her knowledge and experience to young attorneys.

Kathy Hagenian, executive policy director of Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence said, “She uses her intellect, empathy, honesty, energy, passion, and time in the interests of the state’s families.”

Argiroff also lectures and has published numerous articles on domestic relations topics.  She has a true passion for helping provide access to justice to low-income Michiganders, devoting hundreds of hours to pro bono work. And her passion for helping others shows. In fact, she said, “If I ever won the lottery or was independently wealthy, I would work for Legal Aid. That was my dream job and I wish I could afford to do it forever.”

Argiroff has made a significant impact not only on the clients she assists through pro bono work, but also by setting a precedent among her peers. She is looked to as an excellent example of what pro bono is meant to be and how it is supposed to affect the community.

“In short,” Penokie said, “Anne is the pro bono attorney we should all strive to be.”

-Jacklyn Thoms, Robert Mathis, and Lynn Ingram contributed to this story.