Cristina actively volunteers in workshops supporting the immigrant community throughout Northern Illinois. She has contributed to various immigration law initiatives, assisting withDACA renewal applications and preparing Power of Attorney and Short-Term Guardianshipforms for families facing the threat of deportation. Driven by the belief that every familydeserves the tools to safeguard their future, Cristina is deeply committed to empoweringunderserved communities across the greater Chicagoland area
Jessica has been an active member of the DuPage County Justinian Society of Lawyers since 2017and proudly served as the organization's President from 2022 to 2023. The Justinian Society isdedicated to supporting both the legal community and charitable causes. Each year, the group hostsa Halloween Charity Ball, with all proceeds benefitting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through ticket sales and auction items. The Justinians have also been involved with raising moneyfor Ronald McDonald House and support aspiring law students through a scholarship programeach year.
While spending her first 7 years after law school representing abused and neglected children in DCFS care, Melissa discovered that many of the children in the DCFS system did not have music programs or access to instruments. Melissa had taught herself to play guitar in her early 20’s andsaw a golden opportunity to put her skills to great use! It began as Melissausing her own money to buy a few used acoustic guitars and teaching threechildren in the basement of the Juvenile building once a week how to playguitar. Little did she know that this one small class became the basis for theNon-Profit she started called Bring the Music Initiative. Over 5 years thatsingle class grew to many classes including keyboard, dance, drums, voice,electric guitar, and bass taught by a wonderful group of volunteer musiciansMelissa recruited from the Chicagoland area. She held bi-annual fundraisersraising thousands of dollars that she used to buy instruments and materialsfor any child in the system that was interested in learning music.
Melissa continues her passion for helping foster youth by participating infundraisers and activities with Foster Progress. This organization FosterProgress empowers Illinois youth currently or formerly in foster care toattain a college degree and transition into adulthood successfully byproviding mentorship, advocacy, and educational opportunity.
The Kuffel Law Team takes pride in supporting the LGBTQIA+ Community by walking in Pride Parades and setting up booths at Pride Fests in surrounding communities. Every year, Kuffel Law looks into different ways to support the LGBTQIA+ with legal services and community awareness.
Max is actively involved in the LGBTQIA+ community, providing pro bono legal services for transgender adults seeking name changes. His goal is to assist them in navigating the legalsystem with reduced stress and enhanced support. He has also delivered presentations on topics such as gender-inclusive language in the law, family law as it relates to the nuances of medical decision-making in gender-affirming care, and expanding cultural competence with gender-diverse clients. Additionally, he is a two-time published author on gender andthe law. Lastly, he holds a graduate certificate in Women, Gender, and the Law from NIULaw School, where he graduated in 2023.
Since being a “Best Buddy” in high school, Max has been dedicated to supportingindividuals with disabilities. His commitment is reflected in his active participation inevents hosted by organizations such as C.I.T.Y., Variety, and OMNI, whose missions alignwith his own in advocating for families with loved ones who have additional needs. Max collaborates with these organizations to offer resources and long-term support, ensuringthat families receive comprehensive assistance.
Giving back to the community is one of Max’s core values. Almost every month, he volunteers with the DuPage County Bar Association’s “Lawyers Lending a Hand” program.Through this initiative, he has contributed to various causes, including helping daycare facilities, animal shelters, and food pantries. Max remains committed to seizing every opportunity to serve and support his community wherever help is needed