George Frooks was named pro bono Attorney of the Year for 2014 by the Nassau County Bar Association, for dedicated assistance in the association’s Mortgage Foreclosure Project.
The satisfaction of helping those hit hardest by the mortgage foreclosure crisis drove retired Plandome real estate attorney Frooks to spend the last few years as a volunteer at the monthly Nassau Bar Association free mortgage foreclosure legal consultation clinics, as well as representing homeowners at court-mandated court conferences.
Frooks has been recognized for his generous example of giving back to individuals in dire need, and for sharing his knowledge and insight to give some peace of mind to those who are in danger of losing their share of the American dream. For his deep dedication and passion to making a difference in the lives of others, the Nassau County Bar Association presented Frooks the Thomas A. Maligno Pro Bono Attorney of the Year for 2014.
The Nassau residents that Frooks helps are normally in foreclosure because of death, divorce or loss of income. He believes that the most satisfying thing about working in the foreclosure clinic is that the clients say thank you.
“When people come to us, they are behind in paying their mortgages and believe they are going to lose their homes immediately. We give legal counseling, alternatives and guidance and where to go for further help, in many cases, free of charge,” he said. “At the least, we are able to make them feel better than they did when they came in.”
Frooks likes that his pro bono service keeps him involved in real estate and puts his extensive knowledge of property assessment and building codes to use.
Frooks retired from his private legal practice in northern Westchester, while continuing to serve as a Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) Hearing Officer.
In addition to his active membership in the Nassau County Bar Association, he is also Chief Fire Inspector for the Plandome Fire Department and has lectured on legal aspects of building/fire codes for several years.
