MEMBER SPOTLIGHT MARY MARTHA (MARTY) VOELKEL-HANSSEN By Bonnie Sullivan, Executive Director of Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Service (MVLS) As we reflect on 2017 and all of the selfless work pro bono lawyers do to provide justice for all, we wanted to spotlight the 2017 BCBA Volunteer of the Year and MVLS volunteer attorney – Marty VoelkelHanssen.
through Legal Aid while attending law school at the Washington College of Law.
When asked to share a defining moment in her pro bono career, Mrs. Voelkel-Hanssen shared “…it was a third party custody case through MVLS. A great Mrs. Voelkel-Hanssen is an inspiration to fellow atgrandmother was fighting for custody of her great torneys in Baltimore County. Over the past 20 years, grandchildren and her pleas were finally heard – she she closed 63 pro bono cases through MVLS – all of gained custody of the children she loved so much. these cases focused on family law disputes that added Sometimes there are good people doing things for the stress and uncertainty to the children involved. Simi- right reasons and it’s extremely rewarding to play a larly, she has devoted countless hours as a volunteer part in their happiness and justice.” on the Women’s Law Center’s Family Law Hotline. Through her kindness and legal expertise, she is Justice is a right not a privilege, so it’s critical for atproviding critical legal help to some of the most vul- torneys like Mrs. Voelkel-Hanssen to take a stand for nerable populations in Maryland. working people in Maryland who cannot afford to hire an attorney for their civil legal challenges. We No stranger to giving back to the community, Mrs. applaud all pro bono attorneys and look forward to Voelkel-Hanssen was recently recognized as the shining a spotlight on more Baltimore County lawyers Community Mediator of the Year by the Conflict Res- who are making a difference in their communities. olution Center of Baltimore County. She launched her A sincere and heartfelt thank you, Mrs. Voelkelpro bono work early in her career by assisting families Hanssen!
THE ADVOCATE
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January 2018