Blast from the Past

How did you learn or become involved with CDEL?

I found out about CDEL (then known as the Legal Clinic for the Disabled or LCD) in 1993 as a freshly minted lawyer at Skadden. During the first week of orientation, Skadden invited several pro bono organizations to present to us. LCD’s executive director at the time came and spoke about the kind of work they were doing. There was a wide variety of work that LCD did for their clients that made it easy to pick and choose what sort of matters you wanted to work on at any given time. Every month, they would email nutshells, or case summaries, of different matters that were deemed appropriate for volunteer lawyers to work on.

Pro bono work is important to me. I try to volunteer on a CDEL case once a year. What really interests me is the housing work that they do. I have had a few cases that lasted a couple of years and others that were as simple as writing a letter to a landlord. Volunteer attorneys, especially those in big law, appreciate cases that are quick and discreet.

Describe how you have supported CDEL over the years?

I have been involved with CDEL in a few different ways. As a volunteer, I have handled cases which is the bread and butter of what CDEL does to directly help people. It is also a top priority of mine to make a financial commitment to CDEL every year. I have continued that support after moving over to Baker McKenzie in 2007.

My service as a board member does not directly help CDEL’s clients, but it is an important element in keeping the organization moving forward. I have served on the Finance Committee of the Governing Board since 2015.

As a board member, I noticed how difficult it was to hold our annual events and find a venue to host CDEL at a low cost. After Baker McKenzie moved its Chicago office to its current location in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Building in 2012, I asked the Managing Partner if Baker McKenzie would be willing to host CDEL for its Winter Awards Benefit and it has hosted ever since. Baker McKenzie’s public reception area is so spectacular with the water features, fireplace, big, huge rooms, and a great view of Grant Park.

There are many non-profits, why support CDEL?

There are so many great legal aid and pro bono organizations in Chicago. When LCD came to present at Skadden in the 90’s, I was really moved by the its mission. I think LCD and now CDEL was unique in its focus on serving people with disabilities. My first client was a man who was deaf and blind. It was a unique challenge to find ways to accommodate and advocate for him and his legal needs in court. The clients CDEL serves really do need help because of the obstacles they face in getting the justice they all deserve. I found that very motivating. I found CDEL by happenstance. It was a great organization then and continues to be now, so I stuck with them.

What is it about CDEL that inspires you to continue to show your support?

Primarily, it is the clients CDEL serves and the important work it does. It is also seeing the leadership and growth of CDEL through Caroline Manley as Executive Director who has done a terrific job as well as Theresa Jaffe. Theresa's development and fundraising experience has really transformed it. Caroline and Theresa have done a lot of work over the years to enhance CDEL’s profile in the community. I have been nothing but impressed by CDEL’s staff and the excellent work they do. The leadership has really elevated the whole organization. At the end of the day, it is the work CDEL does on behalf of its clients that makes me want to stay involved.