Volunteer of the Month February 2023 Courtney Himes

As she builds up her brand new solo practice, Courtney has graciously decided to share her time with the CCVLP and has signed up to do two family law clinics per week while her schedule allows for it.

Why do you volunteer with the CCVLP?

For me, volunteering with the VLP is an essential part of my mission as a lawyer. I founded Keystone Family Law with the goal of bringing affordable legal services to more people, and working with the VLP is a natural extension of that work. By volunteering my time, I'm able to reach those who might not otherwise have access to legal guidance. Many of the cases I work on involve domestic violence and substance abuse, issues that can profoundly impact people's lives. I'm honored to assist them in navigating the legal system and finding a way forward.

Some words from staff about Courtney:

Courtney jumped right into volunteering with us, and quickly proved herself as an amazing addition to our volunteer team. She has a very kind and gentle disposition that translates into a wonderful way with clients, obviously taking her time to listen and understand their needs

Clients have been so appreciative of their time with her.

Courtney is amazing! Due to her, we are able to offer 14 more family law appointments per month, which has made a big difference in our program. Courtney takes a deliberate and thoughtful approach to every client, she takes fantastic case notes, she is so sweet and nice to communicate with, she is sensitive to the needs of folks who have experienced/are experiencing DV; I mean, what more could we ask for in a volunteer?

February 2023 Attorney Volunteers:

Samantha Balmes, Rachel Brooks, Sharon Cousineau, Ed Dawson, Chelsie Elliott, Philip Foster, Moloy Good, Marlene Hansen, Lincoln Harvey, Josh Hawkins, Courtney Himes, Scott Horenstein, Jennifer Joslin, Jeff Keddie, Juliet Laycoe, Beatrice Lucas, Jeffrey Peterson, Mercedes Riggs, Zaida Rivera, Amber Rushbanks, Jordan Taylor, Michael Trotter, Mark Tyler, Josh Volvovic, Marisa Nelson, Michelle Prosser, and thank you to support staff at Stahancyk, Kent & Hook.

Congratulations to the CCVLP's very own Marla Rapp for winning the 2023 Dean Langsdorf Family Law Attorney of the Year!

Marla began practicing family law in Washington in 2017, where she soon started volunteering with the CCVLP. In August of 2022, she officially joined the organization as a staff attorney in our Survivor Support program, where she works with survivors of domestic violence to obtain civil protection order relief and personal and family safety and stability through family law proceedings.

We are so, so proud of you, Marla.

Here are a few small excerpts from her nomination:

Her tremendous legal skill and willingness to approach novel family law arguments cannot be overstated, but what makes Marla a truly outstanding family law attorney is her overwhelming generosity.

Marla consistently rises to new challenges in representing her clients and does so with a characteristic energy and enthusiasm that succeeds in uplifting those working alongside her She regularly reminds us that we can be better advocates when we make a strong effort to personally connect with our clients, and we are so thankful to have her as an addition to our team and to our community as a whole.