Our Executive Director, Sandra Madrigal, brought Pro Bono Project's staff together to enjoy a fruitful Paint Party as a creative way to kick off the New Year.

How has your year been so far?

Front Door Community Center on a rainy day had many women utilize its clothing closet. They also had the chance to enjoy a nice meal while PBP Managing Attorney, Rachel McKenzie and Staff Attorney, Lisa Cope Duflock were able to present PBP services and answer questions the audience had with regards to general legal issues.

Reentry held its end of the year Information and Community Fair and we learned how much our Reentry community rather have a bike versus a basket of goodies. Community ranged from community service agencies to the most vulnerable seeking a bit of holiday cheer and legal guidance.

PBP Staff luncheon was met by a competitive bunch. Not one bite was left on their plates after they had just finished an intense game of scavenger hunt in Santana Row. No stone was left unturned and each group was on a mission to be the winning team!

Pro Bono Project Silicon Valley's Executive Director, Sandra Madrigal, was a special guest on NBC and Telemundo as a kickoff and in celebration of Women's History Month. The program highlighted her as the only Latina Executive Director running a legal service agency in Santa Clara County. Hosting us was community renowned news reporter Damian Trujillo. Learn more about the services available to the community through a wonderful collaborative with Javier Aguirre, Director of Santa Clara County Office of Diversion and Reentry Services. Watch more by clicking the link here to NBC in English or click link for Telemundo in Spanish.

Today I’d like to introduce our very own golf enthusiast and Pro Bono Project (PBP) Board Member, Greg McDonald. I had a chance to meet with him while he was out catching a little sun. He never fails to miss a sunny day to play. So much of the game has become part of his life, of which, he has become an educator and coach. He tells his all-female, high school golf team, to “never give up!”

Greg has been a volunteer with the Pro Bono Project for the last 35 years. With that kind of time vested, I had to ask, what keeps him involved? In this short story you will learn a little more about why our board member is involved and what keeps him going. Greg wanted to give back and stay involved. As he learned more about PBP he realized there was a community need so he inquired about the cases we had available. 

Greg soon realized he had options. He was able to choose interesting, meritorious and challenging cases. As a result, found himself giving back often. One day, as he spoke with John Hedges, former Executive Director, he was told that he had taken on the greatest number of cases.  He “felt quite humbled.” The idea that he was giving alongside other likeminded attorneys was very meaningful because he knew he had helped individuals, who perhaps, may not have had access to legal representation. This is where he knew Pro Bono Project had, and continues to have, a special place in the community.

During his interview, I asked what more he would like to share, and without hesitation, stated “I am humbled to know that Sandra Madrigal, our Pro Bono Project Executive Director has played a pivotal role, repeat, a pivotal role in the agency's success. When the board had to make a choice in bringing her on as our new Executive Director, I was happy to have been a part of the group who interviewed and chose her.” 

When I asked what advice he would give to an interested attorney, he responded with, “Donations, however small help us to provide legal services to the community who sorely need lawyers. As a volunteer, they will get more of giving of their time. They will learn more from the process. That's been quite the experience for me.” 

Interviewed by: Lety Dominguez, Outreach Officer, Pro Bono Project Silicon Valley

Pro Bono Project's community clinic group is staffed exclusively by local, experienced volunteer attorneys who generously donate their time and expertise. We also appreciate the on-going support of the libraries, community agencies, and their staff that make this resource possible.

General Advice

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Wednesdays from 3PM to 5PM

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Wills, Trusts, Probate and More

2nd Friday of each month

10AM to 12PM

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Small Claims Court

1st Wednesday and 3rd Friday of each month

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Recipe Corner

Contributor: Catherine Connor, Staff Attorney

"This is a recipe I made with my friend who, like me, has zero cooking talent, but wants to contribute to the group's barbecue! Simple, delicious and make extra, as it will go fast!"

Instructions:

• Add apples, oranges, and sugar to a large pitcher and muddle with a muddler or wooden spoon for 45 seconds.
• Add orange juice and brandy and muddle again to combine for 30 seconds.
• Add ice and stir once more to chill. Serve as is. Garnish with orange segments (optional).
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, though best when fresh.

ENJOY!