Stinson Demonstrates Commitment to Community Through Pro Bono Nonprofit Legal Clinic

06.14.2024

On June 13, Stinson LLP hosted its 5^th annual Pro Bono Nonprofit Legal Clinic to assist local nonprofits with legal issues facing their organizations. The legal clinic was organized by the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law Entrepreneurial Legal Services Clinic and planned in coordination with Kansas Legal Services and the Mid-America Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel.

Prior to the clinic, nonprofits applied for assistance and were paired with a team of Stinson attorneys and in-house counsel from local businesses. Pairings were based on each organization's legal needs and the attorneys' areas of practice, ensuring that the legal services provided were tailored to specific needs in areas such as corporate governance, employment, real estate and intellectual property.

"Nonprofits are the heart and soul of thriving communities, providing vital social services and enriching cultural programs. By providing pro bono services through the legal clinic, we're empowering them to focus their resources on their core missions," Stinson Pro Bono Counsel Katie Cronin said. "This direct interaction with clients and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact is what makes this clinic truly worthwhile."

Nonprofits involved in the Pro Bono Nonprofit Legal Clinic include the Arc of Douglas County, Asylum Clinic KC, Care Beyond the Boulevard, Center for Supportive Communities, CornerStone Enterprise, Ltd., Independent Filmmakers Coalition, Jackson County CASA, Lee's Summit Symphony Orchestra, LevelUp Kids, Inc., The Nia Project, Northland Therapeutic Riding Center, Platte Land Trust, and STW Charities.

"We are grateful for the annual Pro Bono Nonprofit Legal Clinic offered by Stinson and ACC Mid-America attorneys from local businesses. Their in-depth knowledge has been instrumental in building our capacity as a nonprofit organization, allowing us to focus on what matters most, advancing our mission and driving positive change in the communities we serve," Center for Supportive Communities Founder and Executive Director Kelsey Dachman said. "Thank you for providing this invaluable legal clinic to Kansas City nonprofits."

Stinson attorneys involved in the Pro Bono Nonprofit Legal Clinic include Partners Steve Cosentino, CIPP, James Cronin, Ashley Dillon, Charley Jensen, Bill Koenigsdorf, Pat Konopka, Todd LaSala, Phil McKnight, Chelsea Templeton, Kenda Tomes and Colin Turner, Of Counsels Elizabeth Delagardelle, Bill Kearney, Jr and Chris Zarda, and attorney Zachary Taylor.

Participating in-house counsel include American Council of Life Insurers' Jennifer McAdam, CRB Group Inc.'s Duke Bailey, Flint Hills Resources' Tiffany Kieffer, KAMMCO's Yolanda Sims, Koch Industries' Mark Berry, Stephanie LaRocco, Logan Overman, Maddy Tannahill and Kristin Westgard, PNC Bank's Patrick Calland and Terracon Consultants, Inc.'s Patrick Courtney, Ryan Head and Anish Patel; all are Association of Corporate Counsel member attorneys. 

Members of the Pro Bono Nonprofit Legal Clinic planning committee include UMKC Law's Danielle Merrick, Stinson's Katie Cronin and David Gottfried, Kansas Legal Services' Joy Springfield, Koch Industries' Kristin Westgard and Terracon Consultants, Inc.'s Patrick Courtney.

The firm's pro bono practice is spearheaded by the firm's pro bono committee and implemented by Pro Bono Counsel Katie Cronin, along with Pro Bono Attorney Tim Sanders Szabo and Pro Bono Specialist David Gottfried.

Stinson, Koch Industries and Terracon Consultants, Inc., served as financial sponsors for the clinic. Stinson's summer associates and Koch Industries' summer interns also assisted with the clinic.