Spotlighting 2024 Pro Bono Honorees

PSLS is built on the foundation of talented attorneys who devote their time to helping Illinois families with their civil legal issues. While Pro Bono volunteers are recognized during the National Celebration of Pro Bono each October, we wanted to spotlight the Pro Bono path to volunteerism and philanthropy that attorneys travel. We arrive at our purpose individually and it is empowering to see what we accomplish together. More than 1,600 legal matters were worked on by Pro Bono attorneys in 2023 and we anticipate growth in need and in volunteer power this year.

We chat with three of the 2024 Pro Bono Honorees Vic Gryniewicz, Rita Maldonado and Mike McElvain.

Will you describe your journey to become an attorney and how you came to be involved with PSLS?

Vic Gryniewicz: As an early career choice, I decided to enter law school and become a licensed attorney, because I believed a professional background would improve my credentials to become an investigator in federal law enforcement. After first becoming a prosecutor in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, I later obtained positions in the federal Offices of Inspector General for the next 32 years as a criminal investigator, including the U.S. Department of Justice. When I retired, I wanted to become more involved in civil law, and PSLS gave me that opportunity as a volunteer attorney.

Rita Maldonado: I participated in a Girl Scout project at the Kankakee Courthouse in the 4th grade where we did a mock trial. I fell in love with the entire experience… the courthouse, the Judge’s gavel, the witness stand, etc. I knew then I wanted to be an attorney. Suzanne Helwich reached out to me randomly telling me about the help that was needed and I agreed to help. I think that was back in 2010 or so.

Mike McElvain: With a degree in agriculture and unable to return to the family farm, I chose to go to law school. I never truly believed I was worthy of being a lawyer, but once I was sworn in I had gratitude that I had the special privilege of being an attorney. While successful as an attorney, I still remember the feeling I had of being lacking. I could relate to those with legal needs but unable to afford the assistance. My help felt like repayment for the advantage I had received. Further, I recognized that legal aid services was an obligation; not charity but an element of the job of being an attorney. Even though it is an obligation, I still received personal satisfaction from helping legal aid clients that had no other place to turn. PSLS was the vehicle that allowed me to fulfill my professional obligation.

How are PSLS Pro Bono cases similar or different to the type of cases you work on professionally?

Vic Gryniewicz: With PSLS cases, I was able to brush up on the law pertaining to low-income, elderly, and vulnerable people. I enjoy volunteering, because I can help people find a way out of their distressing situations. Many times when a landlord is threatening to force tenants to move out, PSLS attorneys can take a burden off the tenants by explaining that landlords alone don't have the power to evict tenants, but must go through an orderly legal process that protects the rights of tenants. We also inform tenants of rental assistance programs and mediation procedures that allow them to remain where they are. PSLS attorneys also work with clients who are buried in debt, often due to medical and high interest credit card debts. We can provide options to these clients that give them financial relief, including bankruptcy and community assistance.

Rita Maldonado: I don't think they are different from the cases I currently handle. It takes the same dedication and effort either way.

Mike McElvain: My work of helping injury clients was very different from the needs of the legal aid clients. While negotiation skills and common sense played a big role in representation, most of the legal issues required me to learn new areas of the law. PSLS attorneys were always available to quickly get me familiar with the new areas of the law.

Do you have any advice for other Pro Bono volunteers across the 36 counties we serve in Illinois?

Vic Gryniewicz: Volunteer pro bono attorneys need to realize that they are often the last legal resources that needy clients have. Often these clients are subject to overbearing landlords, overly aggressive debt collection companies, and family crises. Our attorneys do a lot for clients by just listening to their needs, and providing them with their legal rights and options. Often clients have no idea what these rights and options are. Providing information and legal assistance to our clients can give them relief for situations that weigh heavily on them and their families. Volunteer pro bono attorneys should also realize that they are doing great work, and wearing the ‘white hats’ when no other attorneys are available.

Rita Maldonado: Advice? Just help. Just jump in and start with small clinics that do not take much time. Every hour helps and there is value to every hour volunteered. It is worth it!

Mike McElvain: Often, the routine of our daily work has less satisfaction than we expected. Through legal aid, an attorney can find real meaning in the practice of law by knowing what you are doing really matters to the client. Without your efforts it most likely would not have occurred. It really did not take that much time to receive this reward.

Questions about volunteering? Email probono@pslegal.org.