The MVL Board and the DBA Presented and Dedicated a plaque that will be placed at the MVL offices In Honor and Memory of Barbara C. Quade, Champion for MVL

Barbara C. Quade, a long-time hero and advocate of Metro Volunteer Lawyers, passed away November 28, 2008 at her home in Windsor. She graduated from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. She was a principal of the firm, Quade, Fontana & Bonin, P.C., and later established Quade Family Law.  She received a lifetime achievement award last spring from the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, where she served as Colorado branch president. Numerous times, Denver's 5280 Magazine recognized her as one of the best lawyers in the state, as did the organization of The Best Lawyers in America.  Barbara began teaching a Continuing Legal Education-approved course in 1995. The course grew into an entire seminar that pulled in the best family law attorneys as speakers. "She brought in a vibrant energy. You knew when she was here," said Julie Revers, CLE staff member. "It wasn't just a profession; it was her life, intertwined and infused with passion."  If attendees agreed to take on a family law case pro bono, Barbara negotiated a deal for reduced tuition from the host of the seminar, the Colorado Bar Association CLE For her efforts, CLE's board of directors presented her the Doyle Award for outstanding contributions to the legal community in 2006.  According to her friend, Gina Weitzenkorn, her dedication to organizing and teaching at the seminars was remarkable.  She believed that it was her duty and all attorneys' duty to give back the community and to provide pro bono legal representation.  Barbara cared deeply about Metro Volunteer Lawyers, committing much time and resources to the nonprofit. After she passed away, her family asked that in lieu of flowers, people could make a donation to MVL.  Her legacy continues with everyone who has benefitted from her example and from her teaching.  It is our honor to give tribute to her at this year's Barristers Benefit Ball.

The MVL Board Gave Special Recognition to Patricia Trujillo for her 20 years of  Service to MVL

On March 27, 2009, Patricia Trujillo reached a milestone in her career working with Metro Volunteer Lawyers (MVL).  For 20 years, Patricia has been helping to connect clients to volunteer attorneys who assist them with their legal issues.  Many things have changed over the years.  In the past, more MVL volunteer attorneys were well-established and experienced.  Today, Patricia finds herself working with new attorneys who may have just graduated law school or who are starting new law practices.  Newer attorneys today recognize that doing pro bono work is a good way for them to get legal experience, network with colleagues, and even link up with potential attorney mentors. And, it seems a logical starting point in their legal careers. Patricia says that both seasoned attorneys and novice attorneys bring unique and valuable qualities that ultimately benefit the needy clients. She thinks that once attorneys perform pro bono legal work, "it will always be in their blood."  She never ceases to be amazed that "so many bright and kindhearted attorneys" always step up to offer their assistance.

Patricia has very high standards. She expects 100 percent from herself and gives 100 percent to her job and to the people around her. Her main duty is to pair clients with volunteer attorneys. This means that she listens to and reassures people who have serious needs and fears — whether they be people seeking legal assistance (or those doing their best to supply it). She does not seek any reward outside of knowing that she has placed cases each day.  Patricia attributes her long-term commitment to MVL to "finding satisfaction in what I do." She thoroughly enjoys her contact with attorneys and clients and says that every day is a different adventure at MVL. "It is never boring!"