Your Time at Work

One of the most critical interactions someone can have with our justice system occurs when it is alleged that they no longer can care for themselves and that another person should become their guardian. Pro bono lawyers play an integral role in helping to ensure people’s rights are protected by acting as guardian ad litem (GAL) when the court is faced with these critical decisions. Kim Halvorsen, an associate at Clifford Law Offices, is one of many lawyers who have made a difference in this way and recently was one of the attorneys featured in the CBA and CBF’s 5th Annual Pro Bono Week.

Kim volunteers her time through the Disabled Adults GAL Pro Bono Program, a project of Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation (CVLS) that was established in partnership with the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County, The Chicago Bar Association (CBA) and the CBF. Serving as a GAL, Kim has two primary and essential missions: (1) to meet and talk with the respondent—the person alleged to be disabled; and (2) act as the eyes and the ears of the judge by investigating the respondent’s living conditions. GALs in this program not only represent the best interest of the adult alleged to be disabled, but assist the courts in the orderly and proper handling of these cases. As of this past October, CVLS recruited, trained and supported volunteers who served as GALs in more than 315 cases. In the first half of 2009 alone, volunteers served as GALs in 137 cases.

Kim served as a GAL in a challenging case for 55-year old Michael, who had dementia and lived in a nursing home. Michael’s wife and his mother fought frequently over visitation and other important issues. Kim worked to facilitate what was best for Michael by getting a court-approved set visiting schedule, among other accomplishments. It was a moving experience for Kim, who noted that “I have been personally enriched and value the opportunity to serve the community through my work.”

The Disabled Adults GAL Pro Bono Program is one of many successful pro bono projects where the CBF has played an integral role. The CBF provided strategic guidance and critical seed funding for the GAL project and continues to provide major funding today. As Margaret Benson, Executive Director of CVLS, aptly describes it, this project is a classic win-win situation for everyone involved. “The project provides a great experience for the pro bono attorneys, helps the court to more efficiently and effectively handle these cases, and helps ensure that the elderly and disabled people in these guardianship proceedings have their rights protected.”

For more information on how you can make a difference by volunteering your time, please contact Kelly Tautges, CBF Director of Pro Bono, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 312-554-8356.