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Patrick N. Chapin, esq. Patrick Chapin has dedicated nearly two decades of helping em- ployees and employers with the myriad of legal issues encompassing the work environment. He began his private practice in 1993 and up until these past fi ve years exclusively rep- resented employees. Today he counsels and represents both businesses and executives in the area of employment law. Mr. Chapin is often sought out to lecture and speak on employment law issues to fellow attorneys and the general public. He holds the highest competency and ethical rating by Martindale-Hubbell (AV) and is named in their Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers in the area of employment law. Since 2007 he has been selected for the Mountain States Edition of Super Lawyers in employment law, is a member of the Mil- lion Dollar Advocates Forum, and named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer (Nevada) by The National Trial Lawyers. In addition, he currently serves as an Arbitrator and Short Trial Judge Pro Tempore for the Eighth Judicial District Court of Clark County, Nevada. Mr. Chapin received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue University and Juris Doctor from Capi- tal University Law School, Columbus, Ohio. Recently he earned a Master of Divinity degree. Patrick N. Chapin, ltd. 129 Cassia Way | Henderson, Nevada 89014 (702) 433-7295 | www.chapinlaw.net Valley lawyers make community impact with pro bono work By Brian Sodoma / Contributing writer s an attorney with Bal- A lard Spahr, Shane Young's typical day involves repre- senting business clients in various matters ranging from trans- actional to commercial litigation and consumer finance issues. But when it comes to her pro bono work, it's all about helping children and families. Like many other Nevada lawyers today, Young shifts practice fields with a little help and guidance from the Legal Aid Center of Southern Ne- vada, to offer a hand with many child advocate cases, most involving chil- dren working their way through the spective on a day-to-day basis. I grew up in Las Vegas and it means a lot for me to be able to make a difference in kids' lives." When helping in the family law arena, Young's roll is to simply com- municate a child's desire to the court. Young has to truly be a neutral sound- ing board that listens and guides with- out heavy input. "Our job is to simply communicate to the court our client's wishes. When you're representing children, though, sometimes it's hard to not advocate for what you believe is in the child's best interest, but that's not our role in these cases," she added. For John Krieger, a partner with Lewis and Roca, which primarily deals with intellectual property and copyright law, getting away from his practice field is refreshing. Working with children forces him to do more listening and less arguing. " one's Shane Young "These are real life issues anyone can relate to. … It gives me perspective on a day-to-day basis." foster care system. In her seven years of practicing law, she has helped children reunite with parents, grand- parents and find the best situations possible to move forward with their lives. The 100 to 200 hours of work the mother of five gives away each year for these cases has also caught the attention of her children. "They aren't interested in any of the other work I do, but they always ask about my pro bono work," Young says. "These are real life issues any- one can relate to. –It gives me per- A lot of times it seems like every- telling these kids what they want them to do and no one's really listening. It's nice to be that someone who listens and can really be that per- son who is truly this child's voice," he added. When younger children are in- volved, a lawyer taking on a case also becomes a legal representative for many years, if needed. In one case, Krieger said, he has been able to form a friendship with his client into adulthood. "He's going through his first year at UNLV now. I absolutely consider him a personal friend," he added. Lynn Etkins, development director with the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, appreciates the help she gets from valley attorneys like Young and Krieger, and many others. In 2011, her agency placed 667 new cases through private attorneys on a pro bono basis. More than 2,000 people were served through its volunteer-run Ask-A- Lawyer program. In total, more than