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 Sharkey 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 legal system 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 and the law. Lastly, he holds a graduate certificate in Women, Gender, and the Law from NIULaw School, where he graduated in 2023.
Cristina Alvarez actively volunteers in workshops supporting the immigrant community throughout Northern Illinois. She has contributed to various immigration law initiatives, assisting with DACA renewal applications and preparing Power of Attorney and Short-Term Guardianshipforms for families facing the threat of deportation. Driven by the belief that every family deserves the tools to safeguard their future, Cristina is deeply committed to empowering underserved communities across the greater Chicagoland area.
Jessica Defino has been an active member of the DuPage County Justinian Society of Lawyers since 2017 and proudly served as the organization's President from 2022 to 2023. The Justinian Society is dedicated to supporting both the legal community and charitable causes. Each year, the group hosts a 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 money for Ronald McDonald House and support aspiring law students through a scholarship program each year.
While spending her first 7 years after law school representing abused and neglected children in DCFS care, Melissa Kuffel 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 and saw a golden opportunity to put her skills to great use! It began as Melissa using her own money to buy a few used acoustic guitars and teaching three children in the basement of the Juvenile building once a week how to play guitar. Little did she know that this one small class became the basis for the Non-Profit she started called Bring the Music Initiative. Over 5 years that single class grew to many classes including keyboard, dance, drums, voice, electric guitar, and bass taught by a wonderful group of volunteer musicians Melissa recruited from the Chicagoland area. She held bi-annual fundraisers raising thousands of dollars that she used to buy instruments and materials for any child in the system that was interested in learning music.
Melissa Kuffel continues her passion for helping foster youth by participating in fundraisers and activities with Foster Progress. This organization Foster Progress empowers Illinois youth currently or formerly in foster care to attain a college degree and transition into adulthood successfully by providing mentorship, advocacy, and educational opportunity.
Since being a “Best Buddy” in high school, Max Sharkey has been dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities. His commitment is reflected in his active participation in events hosted by organizations such as C.I.T.Y., Variety, and OMNI, whose missions align with 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, ensuring that families receive comprehensive assistance.
Giving back to the community is one of Max Sharkey’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.
