Legal Aid @ Work! October news

Hello, LAWM friends!

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. At Legal Aid of Western Michigan, family law cases make up about 25% of our caseload. In many of these cases, our clients are survivors of domestic abuse. They may be fleeing violence when they contact us, or wanting to legally end an abusive marriage through divorce, or trying to keep their kids’ lives stable. Our job is to use the laws to help our clients achieve that safety and stability. Our staff attorneys work tirelessly, and they change lives: last year we got positive outcomes in over 94% of family law cases where we provided an extended service—like representing a survivor at their divorce trial.

October is also a month when the legal profession celebrates volunteer lawyers. We are fortunate to work with dozens of volunteers who take family law cases when we have more clients in need than we do attorneys to serve them. Our client story below tells the story of one such case.

Ending an Abusive Marriage

“I am scared for the safety of myself and my kids,” Irma wrote when she came to Legal Aid. She wanted help ending her marriage to an emotionally abusive and violent husband. We referred Irma to one of our longtime volunteers, Melissa, because she has extensive experience working with abuse survivors. Irma speaks Spanish, so one of our bilingual staff members translated and interpreted to help Melissa and Irma communicate about Irma’s case.

Melissa and Irma worked together to end the marriage through a divorce, achieve custody of Irma’s child, and most importantly, create a safe home environment.

Celebrating Our Rockstar Volunteers

Earlier this month we honored our volunteer attorneys and celebrated their commitment to representing our clients. To our 2024 award honorees, Neil Jansen of Mika Meyers and The Whirlpool Corporation’s Legal Department, we again offer you our congratulations! To Neil, Whirlpool Corp., and the many other LAWM pro bono volunteers who serve our clients year in and year out, we say THANK YOU!!!

Liz Bransdorfer and 2024 Barnes Award honoree, Neil Jansen.

Whirlpool Corporation Legal Department honoree, Emily Maki-Rusk, holds the Justice In Action Award. With Legal Aid's Steve Grumm and Hannah Scruton.

Hon. T.J. Ackert.

Longtime LAWM board officer and volunteer, Mike Callahan, with LAWM Executive Director, Pam Hoekwater.

Neil Jansen receives his award from Steve Hessen of Kreis Enderle.

Teaching and Sharing with Community Partners

This week our housing attorneys have been offering a free “landlord tenant law basics” class to employees of our partner organizations throughout West and Southwest Michigan. We held "Donuts And The Law" events in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Holland, and St. Joseph. Our thanks to everyone who attended!