"I’ve been warmed by the gratitude of the people I’m helping. I’m grateful to Cancer Legal Care for the opportunity to be of help."
—a volunteer attorney
Since 2007, our staff and volunteer attorneys have provided free direct legal care services and educational outreach valued at over $20,000,000 We have helped over 13,700 Minnesotans with legal issues stemming from their cancer diagnosis and treatment—the disability, employment, estate planning, financial, and insurance issues that weigh so heavily on their hearts and minds.
We have over 75 volunteer attorneys throughout the state, who help our staff with legal questions, and who work with our clients to provide pro bono help and resources.
Volunteer Awards
-
Baillon Thome Jozwiak & Wanta
The attorneys at Baillon Thome Jozwiak & Wanta simply never say no to our requests for employment law answers and help for Cancer Legal Care clients. They share their expertise with our attorneys, provide free consultations to our clients, and when necessary, represent CLC clients to provide justice through litigation. Since the early days of the pandemic, the firm’s attorneys have also worked hand in hand with our staff to keep us up to speed with all of the changes to the employment laws impacting our clients’ lives. They even presented with our staff on cancer and employment at an employment law conference! They are our heroes.
-
Rachel Schromen
Rachel Schromen has provided pro bono estate planning to dozens of Cancer Legal Care clients over the years and is consistently one of most active volunteer attorneys every year. Rachel always goes the extra mile for our clients, often going to their homes or hospital beds to provide her legal care and expertise. Rachel brings others from all walks of life into our work, and has introduced our mission to all in her personal and professional circles. We are so fortunate to count Rachel as an indispensable part of our team!
-
2019 Volunteer Attorney of the Year
Stuart Deuring
A volunteer attorney since 2015, estate planning attorney Stuart Deuring helps our clients create documents they need to take care of themselves and their families. One client said of Stuart: “In a timely and gracious manner, Mr. Deuring donated his knowledge, energy, and time. I was amazed that this kindness was happening, and it helped me move forward; his service eased many of the concerns I was having. I greatly appreciated that he was respectful, genuine, and generous. And, he rocks the bow tie.”
-
Charles Firth
Charlie Firth, CLC’s 2018 Volunteer Attorney of the Year, is a shining example of our incredible volunteer attorneys. For years, Charlie has generously provided his expertise in the area of employment law. Recently, Charlie assisted Sharon’s family in successfully resolving a challenging situation following her sister’s passing. (Read more below.) Charlie is a champion for those in need and is an integral part of CLC’s mission in action.
-
2018 Community Partner of the Year
Bill Foley
Recently retired from a career in the health insurance industry, Bill Foley now volunteers his vast knowledge to help CLC clients with health insurance disputes. Imagine dealing with your worst insurance nightmare during a catastrophic illness; Bill helps people get through it. For three years, Bill has helped rescue clients from a black hole of stress, confusion, and frustration. Getting coverage reinstated, making sure expensive treatments are covered, helping clear up billing problems—you name it, Bill can help. Bill’s expertise has had a profound and positive impact on our clients’ finances and peace of mind.
-
2018 Nonprofit Partner of the Year
Hope Lodge
The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Minneapolis provides free lodging for cancer patients receiving medical care in the Twin Cities. With funding from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, CLC held monthly legal clinics at the Lodge, helping 26 clients from Greater Minnesota in the comfort of this home away from home.
Quotes from Our Volunteer Attorneys—
The biggest thing I can say is each and every client has been so grateful. I can almost see them visibly relax as we talk, as if they can now rest easier and focus on their health knowing that their estate plan is in order. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to provide that small peace of mind to folks who are enduring so much.
It was wonderful to work with people like our client and her husband—both cancer survivors—with the understanding that the true value in our wealth is not measured by the things we own, but the relationships and lives of those we are able to touch.
