A pro bono win in West Palm Beach: Fighting for those who need it

At McDonald Hopkins, we support our community engagement. Our responsibility as good corporate citizens extends beyond providing legal counsel. It encompasses the relationships we build, the organizations we champion, and the lasting impact we make in the communities we serve.

An example of this dedication is an extraordinary win by McDonald Hopkins’ West Palm Beach attorneys and staff, headed by member Alan Burger, in a recent pro bono case.

Alan has been involved with the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County in some capacity since his final year of law school, when he served as an intern with the organization. Over the years, while building a distinguished practice focused on complex business litigation, franchise law, commercial landlord-tenant disputes, and high-stakes arbitration, Alan has remained committed to the mission of Legal Aid, including providing pro-bono legal services.

Two years ago, Alan received a call from Legal Aid’s Pro Bono Coordinator about a case involving Lena Bailey, a then 77-year-old woman at risk of losing her home. Given Alan’s experience in property law, he was identified as the perfect fit to step in and help.

Lena’s case was anything but simple. It involved tricky family situations.

She had become entangled in her son’s divorce proceedings, and because all three, Lena, her son, and her former daughter-in-law, were on the deed to Lena’s home, the ex-daughter-in-law sought to force the sale of the house and claim nearly all the proceeds. To make matters worse, she also cut off Lena’s only source of income by disrupting a family business that had been covering the mortgage on Lena’s home.

“Lena was an unfortunate participant in someone else’s legal war,” said Alan. “Our goal was to preserve her rights and fight for a fair result.”

And McDonald Hopkins’ did. With persistence and more than 400 hours of work logged, Alan and the McDonald Hopkins team successfully secured the lion’s share of the home’s proceeds for Lena, ensuring stability for a woman who had nearly lost everything because of a messy divorce.

“This was a true team effort,” said Alan. “I can’t thank our team enough. No one ever complained about the time or resources we poured into the case. From our incredible support staff like Erin Murphy, Alicia Crocco, and Cindy Hill, to paralegal Denise Doran, and associates Josh Resnick and Laura Nguyen, to counsel Alaina Karsten—everyone pitched in without hesitation.”

Lena was overwhelmed with gratitude for Alan and the team, saying they were always kind, caring and helpful throughout the “unimaginable nightmare and heartbreak” of losing her home of 25 years.

“My life will never be the same but it is better because of all of your amazing help. I’m so grateful. Words will never be enough,” she said.

For Alan, pro bono work is more than a professional obligation, it’s a personal calling.

“I feel that we as lawyers are very fortunate in so many respects,” he said. “It’s important to assist others who may not have had life’s breaks or benefits. I believe in teaching people to fish. And I also believe in the saying, ‘There but for the grace of God go I.’”

Alan and McDonald Hopkins’ longtime commitment and partnership with Legal Aid has not gone unnoticed. In fact, Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County is honoring the firm with the “And Justice For All,” award at the organization’s annual gala in May. The award honors Legal Aid volunteers and donors who have gone “a step above” in their commitment to providing equal justice for all.