Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Foundation

02/03/2024

KCMBF’s Military Matters is proud to shine the February Pro Bono Spotlight on Javier Centonzio of Centonzio Law, PLLC.

To learn more about his involvement with Military Matters, see the link below.

http://tinyurl.com/y755kkyj

Are you a lawyer interested in joining the Military Matters Legal Team? Would you like a chance to be featured in the Military Matters ? Follow this link to join Military Matters:

https://legal.militarymatterskc.org/

01/09/2024

KCMBF’s Military Matters is proud to shine the January Pro Bono Spotlight on Michelle E. Jakobe of The Jakobe Law Firm, LLC.

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

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

I learned about the program when I was asked to present a CLE by Linda Braxton, a friend of mine that I went to law school with and who was involved with the program.

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

Yes, my grandfather served in the Army in WWII. I also have many friends who have served in the military. A relative on my husband’s side of the family was in the Navy and died on the USS Oklahoma during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. In 2021, my husband received a letter from the Department of the Navy informing him that they had been working on identifying remains that were previously unable to be identified. They were doing this through DNA analysis and new technology. For the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Navy held a Reinterment Ceremony on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii and invited him to attend. We were privileged to be able to attend the ceremony to honor the memory of my husband’s relative and to meet the families of other Sailors.

• What has been your experience so far?

My experience with Military Matters has been excellent so far.

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

I had a divorce case that I took on that had been pending for quite some time. My client was frustrated at how long the process was taking and was having difficulty communicating with the other attorney. Once I was able to get involved on behalf of my client and speak to the other attorney, we were able to reach a reasonable settlement and resolved the case quickly. Many times, having an attorney help guide the veteran is all that is needed to resolve the issue.

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

I have always been interested in the legal field. I was also very interested in psychology, so it is probably not a coincidence that most of my legal career has been spent practicing in the area of Family Law.

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

For the last three years I have been a solo practitioner and I feel that it is important to find ways to give back to the community when I am able to.

• Can you tell us a bit about your family?

I am married and we enjoy spending time with nieces, nephews and extended family.

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

I enjoy traveling, reading and spending time with friends and family.

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

I encourage all attorneys to get involved with Military Matters or whatever volunteer opportunity makes sense for them. The veterans that I have had the privilege to help through this program are great to work with and really appreciate my help. The many was that volunteering has helped me not only in my career but in my personal life are difficult to put into words, but as I always say, I receive much more from volunteering than I give.

Thank you, Michelle, for your dedication to KCMBF’s Military Matters and for giving back!

Are you a lawyer interested in joining the Military Matters Legal Team? Would you like a chance to be featured in the Military Matters ? Follow this link to join Military Matters: https://legal.militarymatterskc.org/

12/01/2023

KCMBF’s Military Matters is proud to shine the December Pro Bono Spotlight on Christopher R. Scott of The Christopher R. Scott Law Office. We asked Christopher about himself, and here's what he had to say:

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

"I first learned about the program from being involved in KCMBA and speaking with other attorneys about their experience."


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

"I have a handful of close family and friends who have served in the military. My grandfather served in the Korean War. I know multiple people who served in Iraq and Afghanistan."


-What has been your experience so far?

"It's been a great experience. It's humbling how appreciative veterans are of us helping them. Before opening my own criminal defense practice, I was a state prosecutor in Leavenworth County, KS, which is home to a very large VA hospital. Unfortunately, there were many veterans who were the defendants. It hit me as a prosecutor about the struggles many veterans have, particularly when they come home. "There has to be a better way to help the vets" often crossed my mind."

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

"There is no particular case that jumps out, but I've helped multiple people with criminal cases they were charged in."


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

"My undergraduate degree in business administration from the University of Kansas. I thought about law school in undergrad, but wasn't 100% sure I wanted to go so I worked for four years. At the time I was in my mid 20s and single, thought that if I'm going to go to law school, do it now. I wanted to have more options in my career. Studied for the LSAT, applied to a handful of schools and the rest is history. It's cliche, but being in the legal field, and particularly working as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney has allowed me to have a significant impact on communities and the lives of my clients."

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

"I'm a solo attorney but my parents were pretty big on volunteering in the community, and helping others when they had the chance. "If you are in a position in life to help others, you do it." My dad still sits on multiple boards for charities and not for profit organizations. Let's face it, attorneys are far from free and I like the Military Matters program because it gives veterans access to some great attorneys."

-Can you tell us a bit about your family?

"My mothers is a retired kindergarten teacher and my dad actually still works. I've lived in the KC area for over 20 years (with a three year move back to Lawrence for law school mixed in there). I have two daughters, 7 and 5 years old."

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

"Free time...huge sports fan. Chiefs, Royals and KU. I like to exercise, and will do three 5 mile runs per week. Love exploring KC with my daughters. They particularly like coming to "daddy's office in Kansas City" which is in the Crossroads. I also enjoy traveling, and enjoying one of the several breweries and cocktail bars around my office."

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

"I encourage every attorney to give back in some way. Even if not pro bono, significantly reducing fees for certain people. Or simply volunteer. Kansas City has many worthy organizations that simply need your time, and they are SO appreciative. For example, I've been involved with Operation Breakthrough since 2013, along with other members of KCMBA."


Thank you, Christopher, for your dedication to KCMBF’s Military Matters and for giving back!

Are you a lawyer interested in joining the Military Matters Legal Team? Would you like a chance to be featured in the Military Matters ? Follow this link to join Military Matters: https://legal.militarymatterskc.org/

11/01/2023

KCMBF’s Military Matters is proud to shine the November 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."


Thank you, Jennifer, for your dedication to KCMBF’s Military Matters and for giving back!

Are you a lawyer interested in joining the Military Matters Legal Team? Would you like a chance to be featured in the Military Matters ? Follow this link to join Military Matters: https://legal.militarymatterskc.org/

10/24/2023

DEADLINE TODAY! Positions are still open for the KCMBF 2024 Board of Directors! See the application below.

Please print or type and return by noon to Vickie Mauck, Executive Director via e-mail to [email protected].

https://kcmba.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/2024+KCMBF+Candidate+Application%5B69%5D%5B1%5D.pdf?fbclid=IwAR37w7w5ZcjUekBxJ9RLWxSXgu_D-OJJyFdMD6AgiM25Q0xrAGuS578oqZ8

10/23/2023

DEADLINE TOMORROW! Positions are still open for the KCMBF 2024 Board of Directors.

The positions open are Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Legal Advisor, and eight Members-at-Large. Click below to access the application.

Please print or type and return by October 24, 2023 at noon to Vickie Mauck, Executive Director via e-mail to [email protected].

https://kcmba.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/2024+KCMBF+Candidate+Application%5B69%5D%5B1%5D.pdf?fbclid=IwAR37w7w5ZcjUekBxJ9RLWxSXgu_D-OJJyFdMD6AgiM25Q0xrAGuS578oqZ8

10/17/2023

Positions are still open for the KCMBF 2024 Board of Directors.

The positions open are Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Legal Advisor, and eight Members-at-Large. Click below to access the application.

Please print or type and return by October 24, 2023 at noon to Vickie Mauck, Executive Director via e-mail to [email protected].

https://kcmba.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/2024+KCMBF+Candidate+Application%5B69%5D%5B1%5D.pdf?fbclid=IwAR37w7w5ZcjUekBxJ9RLWxSXgu_D-OJJyFdMD6AgiM25Q0xrAGuS578oqZ8

10/16/2023

10/12/2023

Our Military Matters VeteRUN 5k is this Sunday! Proceeds will help fill the gap in legal services to military service members and veterans.

To learn more about the program visit militarymatterskc.org.

To sign up, visit:
https://runsignup.com/Race/MO/KansasCity/MilitaryMattersVeteran5K

We hope to see you soon!

10/12/2023

Positions are open for the KCMBF 2024 Board of Directors.

The positions open are Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Legal Advisor, and eight Members-at-Large. Click below to access the application.

Please print or type and return by October 24, 2023 at noon to Vickie Mauck, Executive Director via e-mail to [email protected].

https://kcmba.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/2024+KCMBF+Candidate+Application%5B69%5D%5B1%5D.pdf?fbclid=IwAR37w7w5ZcjUekBxJ9RLWxSXgu_D-OJJyFdMD6AgiM25Q0xrAGuS578oqZ8

10/11/2023

This Friday! Our 26th Annual Domestic Violence Alliance will take place from 8:30 – 3:30 PM at the KCMBA Event Center or Live via Webinar. We hope to see you there!

See the link below to register.

https://kcmba.org/_iCore/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=DVA2023&WebsiteKey=7bb91744-245d-4ba6-810b-cb9069c276f3

See the link below to see more information, including a schedule of events.

https://kcmba.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/KCMBF/2023+DVA+Flyer+and+Registration+Form.pdf