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A Word from our Executive Director

Sandra Madrigal
Dear Colleagues,
 
I start this with the hope that all is well with you and your loved ones, but I must also share the cold truth of what our clients are experiencing during this difficult time.

The COVID-19 Shelter-In-Place Order was issued to help save lives by preventing the spread of this deadly virus. I acknowledge the order’s requirement to stay home, only go out for essentials, and remain in place so that we can get a handle on the infection rates. It is working, but has also, unfortunately, increased job loss, poverty, desperation, stress, and domestic violence at all county, state and federal levels at unprecedented numbers. For many, the seclusion has resulted in amplified feelings of loneliness and isolation from friends, family, referrals, resources, therapy sessions, and most importantly, the time needed to seek secure help.

Therefore, now more than ever, the work we provide through the Pro Bono Project Silicon Valley must continue for those seeking assistance. We are prepared and equipped to provide the necessary guidance relief, resources, legal advice, paperwork prep, and legal representation needed by our community. We, of course, are doing this work safely by providing remote assistance by phone, virtually (if a community space is available) and for those incarcerated, by mail. 

Our phone number (408) 998-5298 is the best way to get assistance. It not only remains active, it is connected directly to frontline staff so that we can assist community members with the necessary help they need  now . At our office, we have placed this number on our door and we encourage our partner agencies to share this information so that we can bridge the gap between COVID-19’s social distancing and the need for safe and compassionate legal assistance. 

If you are interested in volunteering, there are plenty of opportunities to help – especially now. Call us. 
If you would like to donate now,  please see the box below . It is critical for our community to continue these vital services. 

Call us or email me at smadrigal@probonoproject.org  if you can help.
 
Due to COVID-19, the Pro Bono Project has postponed its Lady Justice Dinner — loved by so many. Soon, I will be asking for your symbolic ticket purchase, donation, and/or sponsorship so that we can continue raising the necessary funds to provide this important legal support. 
Thank you for your time and stay safe. 
 
Yours in service,
 
Sandra Madrigal
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Help support Pro Bono Project and Donate Today!

Call Sandra at 408-998-5298 ext. 1001
Coping with COVID: What Pro Bono Staff is Doing to Practice Self-Care during the Shelter in Place Restriction
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Lisa and her children dressed in costumes walking in their neighborhood
Succulent Wreath made by Nancy
Fingerless Glove knitted by Francis
Sandra's dogs Yonce and Anita enjoying time in the sun
The great diversity of the PBP staff can be seen in the variety of ways we are taking care of ourselves
 
Arts & Crafts
making succulent wreaths and a bird bath, baking bread, learning to knit new hat patterns, needlepoint, playing and listening to music, and learning Spanish

Communication
facetiming / texting / calling family and friends, forwarding and posting funny things on social media

Entertainment
binge watching TV shows, watching movies, reading, walking in costumes, playing board games, Karaoke

Exercise
running, walking, playing Cornhole, gardening, meditating, exercising daily

Other
enjoying cocktails, spending time with my kids and family, playing with our pets
MEET OUR STAFF
Sandra Madrigal, Executive Director
Rachel McKenzie, Managing Attorney
Kenneth Grant, Supervising Attorney
Nishtha Jolly, Supervising Attorney
Andrew Messersmith, Supervising Attorney
Nancy Williamson, Staff Attorney
Catherine Connor, Staff Attorney
Lisa Duflock, Staff Attorney
Phoenix Forbes, Legal Program Coordinator
Elizabeth Esparza, Case Manager
Francis Scherry, Office Manager
Questions or comments about the newsletter can be sent to
Phoenix Forbes, pforbes@probonoproject.org


ATTORNEY SPOTLIGHT: BJ Fadem
Founding Attorney Law Offices of
BJ Fadem & Associates, APC
Before He Started His Own Firm

BJ worked at several large, medium and small firms

When He Started His Own Firm In 1991

He started with almost no capital
He often traded office space for legal services
His wife was his paralegal, and they often brought their daughter to the office with them

Current Areas of Experience

Certified Family Law Specialist, State Bar of California (2000)
Certified International Mediator, U.C Hastings (2018)
Specialize in inter-state and international domestic law
Practiced in the area of insurance defense, general civil litigation, personal injury (both
plaintiff and defense),criminal defense, property transaction & litigation, corporate transaction
litigation, probate and family.
 
Hobbies

Music, Martial arts, Weight training, MMA, fencing, sword fighting, video games
 
Why He Volunteers

“I love volunteering. I feel the most fulfilled when I’m involved in community efforts – whether it’s for the legal community or the general community. I especially love working with children. That is my passion. I’ve been minors counsel and a member of the Minors Counsel Committee for over 28 years. They are my favorite clients. I just want to make this a better place for our next generation – I want to leave a mark.”
 
BJ Fadem and Pro Bono Project

BJ has been working with the PBP since he first opened his practice. His policy is to have at least one active PBP case at all times. 
BJ has been instrumental in helping us launch a brand-new Lawyers in the Library site at the Billy De Frank Center.
BJ Fadem and Associates received the PBP’s Vanguard award in 2019.
 
Message to Those Interested in Volunteering

I would encourage ALL attorneys – sole practitioner to large firms – to commit to just having at least 1 case from the pro bono project at all times. It can be financially challenging – but it is doable AND it is so much more rewarding. For young attorneys – it’s a great way to gain experience. You can always contact a more experienced attorney to assist or mentor you – I’ve mentored many attorneys over the years and still reach out to other attorneys myself.
 
We greatly appreciate BJ’s deep dedication to our community,
and for taking the time to share his story with us.
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Interested in Volunteering with PBP?
 
 Volunteers are a vital part of PBP’s workforce. A few months ago, we sent out a Survey Monkey which details all of the different virtual and in-person opportunities available.
 
If you are interested in receiving the survey, please email  pforbes@probonoproject.org
and list “volunteer survey”as the subject.

Lawyers in the Library & Legal Clinics
 
Our Lawyers in the Library / Legal Clinics program works through the generosity of the volunteer attorney, the site providing the meeting space, and the insurance provided by Pro Bono Project. Patrons ask questions about a variety of issues and are provided with legal advice, and / or resources.
 
We had planned to expand to three new in-person sites starting in April. The support from the community to start these new sites has been fantastic, but the actual start dates will now need to be adjusted due to the current situation.
Up to date information about all clinic sites can be found on our website.
 
www.probonoproject.org


 Pro Bono Project’s workplace culture is something we pride ourselves on. We warmly welcome new staff to the team. We celebrate each team member’s birthday, and regularly decorate our office for holidays.
 
We value the work that is done, and consistently recognize each staff member’s successes. We do team activities outside of the office on a quarterly basis.
 
In February, we met at Campo di Bocce for a competitive match and lunch. In December, we celebrated the holidays with lunch at Scott’s Seafood, and a challenging treasure hunt within Christmas in the Park.



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Pandemic Planning - the Advance Health Care Directive
Nancy Williamson
 
Given the current health crisis, end-of-life and medical decision making has become top of mind. Making
a plan helps ease the stress of the unknown. Taking a proactive approach can be a wise decision. In this article, I will be discussing one planning device, which is the Advance Health Care Directive.
This document provides your loved ones with specific instructions on what course of medical treatment you would want, if you become incapacitated. Everyone over the age of 18 years old should have an Advance Health Care Directive. In this article, I will review the basic components of this document.
 
An Advance Health Care Directive consists of three major components: agent choice, medical directions, and a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPPA”) release.
 
Agent Choice - This is the person you have pre-selected to make medical decisions for you. It is advisable to choose a primary agent, and one or two alternate agents. You will want to talk to these individuals before naming them. Before selecting an agent, you may want to consider the following questions:
  • Can your agent handle conflicting opinions and stressful situations?
  • Can he or she act on your wishes and not their own?
  • Do they know what is important to you?
  • Is he or she able to have an open conversation with you about this topic?
 
Medical Choices – In this section of the document, you will provide instructions regarding your medical treatment preferences. These instructions can be general, meaning that your agent will make a decision based on your prognosis v. diagnosis or these instructions can be specific and cover certain types of treatments and situations.
 
HIPPA Release – The HIPPA release allows your named agent to speak to medical personnel on your behalf and obtain medical records.
 
You may also want to include instructions on organ donation and final wishes. Having these directions documented will decrease your loved one’s level of stress because your final wishes are documented, and they do not have to feel stress or guilt when making these arrangements.
After the document is completed, you can have the document notarized or signed by two witnesses. The witness cannot be your named agent. In my experience, it is more efficient to have the document notarized. After the document is executed, you will want to give a copy to your primary care physician. You may also want to give a copy to your named agent. You should also develop a plan on how to maintain a digital copy of this document.
 
Sample documents are readily available online. If you are a member of Kaiser, they offer the life care planning packet. Also, the California Hospital Association offers a free document online. After the Terry Schiavo case, Congress declared April 16th of each year as National Health Care Decisions Day to raise awareness about the importance of Advance Health Care Planning. The Conversation Project has teamed up with National Health Care Decisions Day to provide useful tools and information about end-of-life planning. On their website, they have a COVID-19 preparation guide. COVID-19 Guide. This guide offers practical guidance and information on making medical decisions during this pandemic.
 
While it is difficult to think about this topic, a little planning goes a long way. The execution of an Advance Health Care Directive will give your loved ones’ guidance about what is important to you and help them make difficult decisions during stressful times.