2020 & 2021 Volunteer Recognition
Winter 2020
Nathan Parkey has volunteered with SU2J’s family law clinics, helping clients with divorce and paternity issues. He has led 47 clinics and assisted 131 clients.
DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & Lacy was an early supporter of SU2J, and the firms attorneys and staff continue to support our work by volunteering to lead client clinics and accepting cases for direct representation. The firm assists with consumer, debt collection, family law, housing, employment, as well as other areas. Their expertise and versatility make them an invaluable resource for SU2J and our clients.
Spring 2020
Ben Smith was once again honored for volunteering in SU2J’s family law clinics where he helps self-represented litigants navigate the legal system, complete forms, and prepare for their hearings. Clients often request to meet with Ben specifically, and they tell staff how kind he is.
West Longenbaugh & Zickerman is a firm that assists with wills, probate, and guardianship matters, helping both with clinics and cases requiring direct representation. The lawyers were also the first to participate in SU2J’s Prep with Tech Clinic.
Summer 2020
Amy Krauss joined SU2J’s Federal Court Clinic to advise self-represented litigants who have filed, or want to file, a civil case in federal court. Amy has led 25 clinics, assisting 58 clients. She is kind, easy to work with, and has been more than flexible, including continuing to advise clients remotely during the pandemic.
Moore, Masunas & Moore is a firm where the lawyers and staff have been supporting SU2J since we opened our doors in 2017. Angela Moore assists SU2J with wills clinics and accepts cases and drafts wills for clients. Annalisa Masunas assists SU2J with family law clinics.
Fall 2020
Anna Ceder is a frequent participant in SU2J’s HOME clinic where she assists clients with landlord/tenant issues. She has led 34 clinics and assisted 85 individual clients. Anna is a compassionate and dedicated advocate and we’re so glad she works tirelessly for our clients.
Zack & Schmitz is a firm with full involvement! Ron, Shanelle and their assistant Bernadette share their estate planning expertise and assist SU2J clients with wills, probate, end of life planning and guardianship matters. SU2J staff love working with this firm and appreciate their commitment to our clients.
Winter 2021
Merle Turchik was among the very first to join SU2J’s roster of volunteers. She is a frequent participant in SU2J’s Federal Court Clinic where she assists clients with employment issues. Merle has led 40 clinics and accepted 3 cases for direct representation. In total, she has assisted 110 clients and dedicated more than 105 hours to assisting SU2J clients.
Duffield Adamson & Helenbolt is a firm that assists SU2J by accepting wills and probate matters for direct representation. Special thanks go to Lynne Davies and Andy Heideman for the kindness and patience they have shown to our clients.
Spring 2021
Brooke Bedrick assists SU2J with housing work, helping to keep people in their homes. She has helped with 8 clinics, dedicating 16 hours, and assisting 21 clients.
Tucson Bankruptcy and Family Law - Caleb Brown, and his staff help our clients with debt collection, bankruptcy, and family law matters. Caleb accepts direct representation cases and volunteers with clinics. Special thanks to Tina Streight who assists Caleb and who makes working with the firm a breeze for SU2J staff.
Summer 2021
Terri Pones helps SU2J with family law clinics and has taken cases for direct representation. She has led 21 clinics, assisting 60 clients.
Benavidez Law Group assists SU2J by helping clients with family law needs. Special thanks to Elizabeth Benavidez for being an early adopter of SU2J’s Superior Court family law clinic, where she volunteers regularly.
Fall 2021
Steve Cox approached SU2J when he retired from the practice of law and asked to volunteer. He completed the Arizona Supreme Court’s Rule 38 process to become certified as a retired volunteer and now participates in our Consumer Advice Only Clinic, where he assists clients with debt collection and bankruptcy issues. It is a joy to have Steve volunteer every month.
Jackson & Oden took on a particularly complicated consumer fraud case that has spanned the course of two years. Special thanks to Todd Jackson and Jean Roof who have donated an incredible 129 hours to the case so far!
AWARDS OF SPECIAL MERIT
Ben Smith - Ben was the first attorney to join SU2J and continues to volunteer in our family law clinics every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. Since 2017, he has led a remarkable 375 clinics, donated 938 hours and assisted 1200 clients. Ben is also an SU2J donor, supporter, and friend. To honor his significant commitment to access to justice, SU2J commissioned an original portrait of Ben that will hang in the SU2J office to pay tribute to Ben and serve as inspiration for us all. The portrait was unveiled for the first time at the Zoo event, and a humble Ben Smith, was as usual, very surprised that SU2J recognized his Very Special Merit!
1701 Solutions – 1701 provides technology assistance for businesses and has done just that for SU2J. They have continued to support SU2J’s infrastructure and technology in a meaningful way. With their help, SU2J consistently and efficiently connects with volunteer lawyers, clients, partners, and donors. 1701’s donation of tech expertise has enabled SU2J to direct over $31,000 to client services instead of overhead
Gary Urman was honored or his heroic work negotiating the renewal of the lease for SU2J’s office space. Gary advocated for SU2J for 12 months. His efforts required more time and patience than anyone could have imagined at the start, but ultimately, resulted in SU2J entering into a new five-year lease agreement including a reduction in rent and other credits applied to the lease. Gary helped SU2J save thousands of dollars that can now be directed toward client services. We are beyond grateful for his support.