Stinson, Mid-America ACC Host Virtual Nonprofit Pro Bono Legal Clinic

06.24.2022

Stinson LLP hosted its third Nonprofit Pro Bono Legal Clinic in a virtual setting on June 22, provided in partnership with the Mid-America Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), UMKC School of Law Entrepreneurial Services Legal Clinic and Kansas Legal Services.

Stinson attorneys paired with ACC-member attorneys, who serve as in-house counsel at local businesses and corporations, and were matched with a nonprofit client based on the legal needs of the nonprofit and the attorneys' area of practice. Limited-scope legal assistance related to governance systems, policies and procedures, employment, contracts, intellectual property and other legal issues facing nonprofits were provided. 

"It was an honor to participate in this year's nonprofit legal clinic and to be given the opportunity to engage with nonprofits around the city that are doing admirable work in our communities," UMKC School of Law Clinical Professor and Director of Entrepreneurial Legal Services Clinic Danielle Merrick said. "The planning committee and I are appreciative of the attorneys involved who gave their time and knowledge to fulfill their professional responsibility of giving a voice to those who would not otherwise have access to the law."  

Stinson attorneys who participated include Partners Jeannie Boettler, Intellectual Property & Technology; Michael Campbell, Corporate Finance; Charley Jensen, Corporate Finance; Greg Johnson, Banking and Financial Services; Rob Hunter, Private Business Group; Molly Keppler, Labor, Employment and Employee Benefits; Pat Konopka, Labor, Employment and Employee Benefits; Andrew Ostapko, Corporate Finance; Penny Slicer, Intellectual Property & Technology; Tessa Trelz, Corporate Finance; and Ben Woodard, Labor, Employment and Employee Benefits. Other Stinson attorneys involved include Krishma Desai-Soni, Corporate Finance; Lauren Druessel, Private Business Group; Robert Harry, Real Estate and Public Finance; and Jenna Hueneger, Private Business Group. Additionally, in an effort to learn more about the firm's pro bono practice, Stinson summer associates also participated in the legal clinic.

ACC member-attorneys who participated include Angie Atkinson, Hallmark Cards; Patrick Courtney, Terracon Consultants, Inc.; David Davis, Community of Christ; Matt Ellis, Koch Companies Public Sector, LLC; Pamela Fellin, Neudesic, an IBM Company; Angela Madathil, CSG Systems, Inc.; Jennifer McAdam, National Association of Insurance Commissioners; Karen McConnell, GE; Dillon Strohm, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City; Emily Vijayakirthi, T. Y. Lin International; and Andrew Wimmer, JKHY.

The participating nonprofits included 10.18 Strategy; Central Area Betterment Association; Global Montessori Academy; Journey to New Life; Kansas Golf Foundation; KC Common Good; LevelUp Kids, Inc.; Nehemiah Village; The Resilient Activist; and STW Charities.

Members of the legal clinic planning committee include Katie Cronin, Stinson LLP; Patrick Courtney, Terracon; Jennifer McAdam, National Association of Insurance Commissioners; Danielle Merrick, UMKC School of Law and Kansas City Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts; and Joy Springfield, Kansas Legal Services.

Stinson's pro bono program is led by Pro Bono Committee Co-Chairs Amy Conway and Bradley Yeretsky and implemented by Pro Bono Director Theresa Hughes and Senior Pro Bono Manager Katie Cronin. The firm's pro bono strategic plan expects all partners to contribute substantially to the firm's legacy through pro bono legal work and community service, and it encourages and supports involvement from associates to paralegals to summer associates. Through pro bono, our attorneys and paralegals gain skills and invest in their communities while championing the cause of justice.

Stinson LLP served as financial sponsor for the clinic.