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Legal Connection: Military Matters, one of KCMBF's three Legal Connection programs, fills the gap in legal services available to service members and veterans. For more information:

militarymatterskc.org


Are you a current volunteer attorney? 

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Volunteer attorneys can watch the Military Matters Digital Kick-Off Event from 2021 which includes an overview of the program's success to date, a walkthrough of the Referral Software, and an explanation of how it affects you.

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Veterun 5K

 


Military Matters Pro Bono Spotlight

Each month Military Matters highlights a volunteer attorney who goes above and beyond in accepting referrals for service members and veterans of the Kansas City community. The monthly recognition is meant to distinguish the great work being done by the hundreds of pro-bono volunteer attorneys within the Military Matters Legal Team. 



KCMBF’s Military Matters is proud to shine the September Pro Bono Spotlight on Jennifer L. Finch of Krigel & Krigel, P.C.

We asked Jennifer about herself, and here's what she had to say:

•              How did you initially learn about the program and get involved?

 

"I learned about Military Matters when the program was first rolled out. It’s a great opportunity to say thank you to our veterans who have protected us, our freedoms, and our way of life."

 

•              Do you have anyone in your family or friends that served in the military?

 

"My dad was in the Army and my uncle was in the Air Force in WWII, a grandfather served in WWI, and most recently a cousin served in the Marines."

 

•              What has been your experience so far?

 

"I have enjoyed working with the veterans and their families. Estate planning is critical for everyone, but for those who don’t have much it’s tempting for them to DIY and end up in worse shape than if they had done nothing. I find satisfaction in helping give them peace of mind."

 

•              Could you tell us about a particular case/referral you’ve taken on?

 

"Each situation provides its own unique rewards. They are all special."

 

•              How did you first decide you wanted to be an attorney and get into the legal field?

 

"In 6th grade there were several attorneys in my church and I thought they were some of the most interesting people. The longer I followed that path, the more I felt I was in the right place. I’m the first attorney in my family."

 

•              Does your firm have a program or mission to encourage pro bono service? How do they support you in this work?

 

"There isn’t a specific program although we as a firm have supported various legal and community charities over the years. Each of us gives back to our community in different ways and the firm supports our efforts with time and resources as needed."

 

•              Can you tell us a bit about your family?

 

"I’m an only child of an only and a one-of-two, so my family is very small. I enjoy getting together with my cousins in town and visiting those in other states."

 

•              What do you enjoy doing with your free time? Any hobbies?

 

"I enjoy traveling, Polynesian and mid-century modern culture, and NASCAR. My bucket-list trip is to spend time in New Zealand after I learn the Māori language."

 

•              Anything else you'd want to share with other lawyers about volunteering? Why they should get involved? Any advice?

 

"There is a special emphasis these days on lawyer well-being. One of the best ways, I think, to keep a right perspective on what we do is to provide services for those who cannot afford them normally and to give back to your community, whatever that looks like to you."

 

Visit KCMBF's Facebook Page to see the original post about Jennifer's service through Military Matters.

Archive of Past Military Matters Pro Bono Spotlights

Explore past Military Matters Pro Bono Spotlights


How You Can Support Military Matters

Volunteer

Are you an attorney? Help fill the gap in legal assistance available to service members and veterans in our service area.

Join the Military Matters Legal Team 

Providing pro bono service through Military Matters satisfies lawyers' requirement of participating in the Jackson County Juvenile appointment program for one year.

Administrative Order 18-06 states, in part:

Local Rules 21.4 (2014) and 21.6.1 (2010) govern the termination/withdrawal of attorneys and guardians ad litem in Chapter 211 RSMo. cases. Upon receipt of a Motion to Withdraw requesting that an attorney be relieved of an appointment in either a Chapter 211 case or a civil contempt case filed in the Family Court Division of the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri, the application shall be presented to the Court for consideration, except:

  1. If the attorney's request is based upon verified active participation in the Volunteer Attorney Project or the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Foundation's Legal Connection: Military Matters program within the twelve month period preceding the date of the appointment;

Visit the Court's website here and read the Administrative Order here.

Annual Military Matters Symposium

Each year KCMBF hosts the Military Matters Symposium which brings together active Military Matters volunteer attorneys, representatives of veterans support organizations, and other veteran/military experts in the community. Each symposium has focused on a particular veterans topic, with the goal of both education and collaboration between attendees. The purpose of the symposium is to determine if there are additional opportunities for supporting veterans in the Kansas City community. View the 9th Annual Military Matters Symposium below.


Explore Past Year Topics and Speakers

Donate to Military Matters- Change Lives

Your donation will help Military Matters continue to grow and serve more service members and veterans in our community.  From providing funds for filing fees, expert testimony and other court fees to providing materials to train attorneys in VA benefit claims, your donation matters.

DONATE NOW

 

To volunteer in other capacities, please contact Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Foundation at [email protected] or (816) 474-4322.