Trial Lawyers Care®

Chicago-based Ankin Law has sponsored the Teacher of the Month on Chicago’s WGN Channel 9 since fall 2020. During the school year, students across Chicago send nominations (for elementary, special needs, and high school teachers) to the station. A news anchor interviews the winning teacher on TV in a short segment.

“Ankin Law is proud to support Chicago’s teachers. It’s inspiring to witness, firsthand, the impact a great teacher can have on a student. Our involvement allows us to see this play out every month,” said Howard Ankin.

Ankin or an Ankin Law representative joins the news crew at the school, speaks to the teacher, addresses the class, and presents a $1000 check to the winning teacher (made out to the school) for the teacher to use for supplies.

The partnership goes beyond financial underwriting; it’s an opportunity to meet the teachers, students, and their classes. Ankin Law then shines the spotlight on the award-winning teachers by sharing the news segment on Ankin Law social media platforms and in their monthly newsletter.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation (REF) immediately activated a relief effort to provide much-needed supplies and financial assistance for several charities serving victims and communities impacted by the storm. FJA members contributed more than $80,000 to help Floridians hit hardest by Ian.

“Our members didn’t hesitate and made significant financial contributions as well as supply donations that quickly provided aid for Florida residents tackling the enormous task of putting their communities back together after this historic and devastating storm,” said REF Chair Steve Cain. 

Through its Disaster Relief Fund, REF distributed more than $38,000 worth of critical emergency supplies to hardest-hit areas, including generators, water, fans, fuel, first aid kits, and more. Additionally, the fund raised and donated nearly $50,000 to charities working in Southeast Florida. 

Every year, Los Angeles Trial Lawyers’ Charities (LATLC) provides holiday “Comfort & Joy” to more than 500 families in our community. LATLC partners with the police department’s Newton Division and community groups throughout South Central Los Angeles to identify families in need. Law firms and affiliates raised funds to provide 2,000 toys, groceries, baby needs, clothing, and household items. The day included a petting zoo, sharing “wishes” with Lovey (the LATLC mascot), balloon twisters, and of course, a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

This event began in 2016 and never stopped, even during the pandemic. When LATLC volunteers could not fill and hand out the bags of items they purchased because of the 2020 shutdown, LAPD officers became “Patrol Car Santas” and personally delivered thousands of toys and goods to the families. This year is the first time since 2019 that LATLC was able to return to a full holiday event.

“Every year our Comfort & Joy event gets bigger and is something we always look forward to kicking off the holiday season with,” said LATLC President Karina Lallande. 

The event is held across from the police department on 34th and South Central—and really is a “Miracle on 34th Street.” 

Following the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Fiona, the people of Puerto Rico urgently need support. AAJ’s Caucuses and Trial Lawyers Care are teaming up to help. Please donate to these two organizations:

• PRxPR: The group provides aid for short- and long-term humanitarian needs focused on food/agriculture, clean water, and fuel/renewable energy initiatives. This group has been recommended by the Puerto Rican Bar Association of New York. Donate here
• World Central Kitchen: Started by Chef Jose Andres, WCK is already on the ground providing hot meals to those affected by the storm. Their infrastructure and dedication ensure that your donations will be put to good use immediately. Donate here.

AAJ Trial Lawyers Care Committee members have been working with the Kentucky Justice Association (KJA) to coordinate aid for eastern Kentucky residents devastated by floods. As of mid-August, more than three dozen people had died from the flooding.

KJA continues to raise money for people in eastern Kentucky who fall through the cracks when it comes to insurance, FEMA, and funding sources that won't apply to them. The association is also collaborating with local officials and legislators about community needs and sending checks directly to people in need. Future volunteer help will likely be needed for claims, for example, for insurance and property issues.

Please visit the Kentucky Justice Association to learn how you can help the community.

The Annual Convention service project, hosted by the LGBT Caucus, Minority Caucus, New Lawyers Division, Women Trial Lawyers Caucus, and Trial Lawyers Care Committee, took place at Friends of Youth, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving youth and young families facing circumstances of homelessness, foster care, and behavioral health challenges.

Over 30 AAJ volunteers attended the project! Some volunteers sorted the more than 200 donations from AAJ members and put together move-in kits, which are being distributed to the organization’s clients. Another group organized accumulated in-kind donations and put together backpacks with school supplies for children in need, while other volunteers deep cleaned a group home that is used as a transition before people find permanent housing.

During the LGBT Caucus Networking Reception at Life on Mars, the bartenders offered to donate a portion of the bar’s proceeds to a charity of the caucus’s choosing. Friends of Youth was chosen, and a monetary donation was also made in AAJ’s name. If you would still like to give, purchase an item from the Amazon Wishlist or donate directly to the organization.

AAJ hosts a service project at both the Winter and Annual Conventions, the day before convention begins. They are a wonderful way to get to know your colleagues and give back to the local community. For more information, please email the Associate Director of Membership, Jennifer Rafter, at jennifer.rafter@justice.org. 

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