Local Jewish attorney David Suroff was presented with the Champion for Children Award from FosterAdopt Connect, a local foster care service.
He received the award on Oct. 7 at a gala at the Overland Park Convention Center.
Suroff, son of Victor and Paula Suroff of Leawood, Kansas, previously served as a Missouri public defender and joined the Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. law firm in 2015. As a senior staff attorney in the firm’s pro bono department, Suroff represents adults and children in a variety of cases in Jackson County Family Court and beyond. In addition to his attorney role, he is a guardian ad litem (GAL) for adults with cognitive impairments, and one of few certified to be a GAL for children.
FosterAdopt Connect is an organization with the mission of providing foster and adoptive children a positive family environment, supporting and advocating for families and children who are abused or neglected. Suroff was chosen as the recipient of its Champion for Children Award because of his care, skill, work and compassion in his representation and his help of others. The organization says that the award recognizes and is a symbol of gratitude for the recipient’s commitment to advocating for the welfare and best interests of vulnerable children and families.
Suroff describes his work as being his contribution to tikkun olam (repairing the world), and that he “feels connected to my social justice roots from Temple youth group.”
Upon being presented with the award, Suroff characterized his work as “just doing his job.” He thanked FosterAdopt Connect and highlighted the importance of stability and comfort for both his clients and everyone else.
“[My pro bono work] is in the trenches with our adult and juvenile clients… every day,” Suroff said, referring to the organization’s approach of being “in the trenches” while serving clients.