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  • InsideTrack
  • October 15, 2014

    Pro Bono Spotlight: Terry Young Says ‘You Have to Step into the Client’s Shoes’

    Oct. 19 – 25 is Pro Bono week and the State Bar celebrates with this new column that salutes members who make a personal commitment to providing access to justice for low-income Wisconsin residents through pro bono service. First up is Milwaukee attorney Terry Young. Inspired by a deeply rooted need to help others, Young is committed to helping people through the Tenants Rights Project.
    Terry Young

    Terry Young, Assistant General Counsel & Assistant Secretary, The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee

    Oct. 15, 2014 –Terry Young may be a corporate attorney – but he is also a regular at the Legal Action of Wisconsin Volunteer Lawyers Project. He regularly meets with clients through the Tenants Rights Project who have landlord-tenant problems and evaluates their cases. He may give them advice about how to pursue their claims or defenses pro se, or he may represent them to help them resolve the issue.

    What prompted you to volunteer?

    I was drawn to pro bono work by a deeply rooted core value of helping others, something I observed in my parents, and by my faith, which teaches the importance of giving to those in need. I’ve also had the good fortune to work for companies that encourage their employees to volunteer.

    Why do you volunteer with the Tenants Rights Project?

    “I was drawn to landlord-tenant law because it’s an area where there can be a lot of abuses because so many people are unaware of their rights.”

    How has volunteering affected you and the people you help?

    “When you do this, what you get back is immeasurable. People are grateful that someone took the time to talk to them, to help them, and to educate them a little about their rights. You have to be truly motivated by the process, and you have to step into the client’s shoes. To someone with limited income, having a security deposit returned is huge. When you see that expression on someone’s face, there is no greater reward.”

    Celebrate Pro Bono at Oct. 29 Reception in Milwaukee

    The Milwaukee Bar Association, State Bar of Wisconsin, and Quarles & Brady LLP will host the 2014 Pro Bono reception on Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Milwaukee Bar Association, 424 E. Wells St.

    Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Rick Sankovitz will make a brief presentation at 6 p.m., which will include distribution of certificates to Pro Bono Honor Society members.

    To RSVP, contact Britt Wegner at (414) 276-5931.

    Pro Bono | A Call to Serve

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