Topic: Pro Bono Assignments - All Summer Associates (July 16, 2008)

So far, I have contributed to three different pro bono assignments.  Surprisingly, two of them dealt with the same area of law.  They were both international custody disputes falling under the Hague Convention.  I consider myself somewhat of an expert on that area of law now (as amongst the other summers.)  Both of the assignments were very interesting and allowed me to really contribute to the case.  In fact, on one of the cases, I was the first one to crack the file, drafted the petition, and got it filed in court (all of which was a firsts.)  On the whole, it seems to me that the pro bono assignments are an opportunity to get exposed to a new area of law and develop some of your legal skills when you otherwise might not have the opportunity.
-- Kevin Burns / Chicago Office (University of Iowa College of Law, Class of 2009)


(Chicago Summer Associate - Kevin Burns)

At the beginning of the summer, I was assigned to work on a pro bono 7th Circuit criminal appeal.  I am interested in appellate work, so this was right up my alley.  Over the course of the summer, I have had the opportunity to read the trial transcripts and sit in on litigation strategy meetings with the team of attorneys working on the case.  I am also working on a memo regarding a potential issue for appeal.
-- Brooke Krekow / Chicago Office (Northwestern University School of Law, Class of 2009)

I have been exposed to several pro bono opportunities this summer at Q&B.  Personally, I've been lucky enough to help out with two pro-bono projects.  I am helping out with a 7th Circuit criminal appeal, which included working as a team with two other Summer Associates and visiting our client at a Federal Correctional Institute.  I am also happy to be helping out with two house closings for Habitat for Humanity.  Not only have these projects provided a great learning experience, but it also feels good to help others with their legal needs.
-- Luke Kohtala / Milwaukee Office (University of Wisconsin Law School / Class of 2009)


(Kevin Burns, Brooke Krekow, Shannon O'Boye, and Tony Steinike.)

I volunteered at Q&B's legal clinic, where I assisted an attorney while she met with clients.  I filled out forms and conducted any research that the attorney needed.  Volunteering at the clinic allowed me to observe attorney-client interaction and to see Q&B attorneys providing direct pro bono service in the community.  The clinic and all the volunteer attorneys really demonstrate Q&B's commitment to pro bono work.
-- Melissa McCord / Milwaukee Office (Marquette University Law School / Class of 2009)

I drafted a complaint in a residential dispute over a mortgage.  Most of the research was already complete so I participated in drafting an initial complaint against the person who defaulted on the loan.
-- Everett Mitchell / Madison Office (University of Wisconsin Law School / Class of 2010)


(Chicago Summer Associates - Brooke Krekow and Shannon O'Boye)

Working on a Pro Bono assignment was one of the most rewarding experiences of my summer.  I was able to interact directly with the client and felt a real sense of satisfaction when our firm was able to provide much needed help and support.
-- Andrew Monfre / Milwaukee Office (Marquette University Law School / Class of 2009)

I have worked on one pro bono case this summer.  It was "only" a $6,000 case, which is small compared to many of the other cases we've worked on this summer, but, to the client we were working for, $6,000 was a lot of money -- certainly more than she could afford to lose.  I got satisfaction out of using my skills and training to try to help someone who needed it.  The pro bono case also showed me something else: there's no such thing as a perfect case.  The facts in this woman's case were not 100% favorable to her, but that did not stop us from crafting as many arguments in her favor as we could.
-- Shannon O'Boye / Chicago Office (Chicago-Kent College of Law, Class of 2009)