Neighborhood Legal Clinics Volunteers of the Month: Franni Turean and Leas Corpuz and Farewell to Darlene Borland and Gwen Macool
By Cathie Caldwell
Franni Turean has been a devoted Clinic Attorney at the Seattle Family Law Clinic since 1999. Offering a unique perspective to clients embroiled in a family law actions, Franni asks them, “What do you want, how badly do you want it and what are you willing to give up to get it?”
Franni graduated from Seattle University’s School of Law in Tacoma in 1996 with the specific goal of practicing family law. Her expertise, practical advice, accessibility and kindness is a great asset to the clinic volunteers and clients.
Clinic Coordinator Nancy Hawkins says, “Franni is one of my most reliable volunteers. She is always prompt, helpful to clients and other volunteers and, no matter what, willing to switch schedules to help cover a shift for another attorney if he or she has something come up at the last minute. She has covered her own shifts even during times of great need in her own practice. And she does it all with a smile and a thank you to the others around her. She has been a joy to have with the clinic.”
A dedicated Clinic Assistant at the Lake City Legal Clinic for six years, Leas Corpuz loves getting in touch with her community and feels that connection following her shift at the clinic.
Leas says, “I really enjoy my sessions at the clinics and I always come away feeling helpful. Life can get so busy, but my Ôone Wednesday a month’ schedule give me a chance to slow down and look at what is going on around me. There are so many individuals out there who need support. It may be a legitimate legal challenge or just someone who needs to be heard. I appreciate having the opportunity to pitch in and help out.”
The closure of Evergreen Legal Services prompted Leas to enroll in and complete the paralegal program at Edmonds Community College. She is currently a litigation paralegal at Lee Smart Cook Martin & Patterson.
Brady Johnson, Lake City Clinic Co-ordinator, says, “Leas has always been the model of reliability, but last year she was exceptional. When several people found they could not continue volunteering or family emergencies caused last minute rescheduling, Leas stepped in to work extra clinics to take up the slack. She is always helpful to attorneys and courteous to clients. It is our honor to work with such an exceptional individual.”
A fond farewell to the dynamic Darlene Borland and Gwen Macool. Darlene has recently retired as Legal Advocate from New Beginnings, an agency serving domestic violence survivors and their children. She capably coordinated the client screening and scheduling of the Domestic Violence Family Law Clinic. In addition, Darlene was a wonderful mentor to the volunteer advocates who assisted the clients at the clinic by focusing them for their meeting with the attorney, safety planning and providing social service referrals. Dar-lene’s compassion and strong voice for survivors of DV will be missed.
Gwen recently moved back east to be closer to family. She served many years as the Scheduling Coordinator for the Country Doctor clinic where she assisted with administrative tasks such as writing the volunteer schedule and confirming volunteer attendance. Gwen also used her tremendous energy and passion to assist clients and attorneys at the clinic to make the most out of their time together. She was an invaluable, enthusiastic asset to the clinic and will be impossible to replace. n
