Employee of the Month: Kate Larlee

by Char Brooks, J.D., Project Healthy Living Coach

Kate Larlee began working at ELM in June 2013 as a Legal Intern while a student at Michigan State University College of Law. She has come a long way and is now part of the Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors as well as assisting the Mid-America Pension Rights Project. Her many accomplishments since starting at ELM include graduating law school and becoming a licensed attorney. Before going to law school, Kate received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a Masters in Fine Arts in Playwriting.

When I asked Kate what she is most passionate about, she said: “I am most passionate about justice for all. I get my Irish up when there is an imbalance of power, someone is being bullied, or someone is being denied their rights.”

Kate has found her niche as a Hotline Attorney. In this role she provides answers to our clients about their legal questions about social security, wills and probate, debt collection, and other legal matters on the hotline. Kate asks the right questions to be sure she understands our client’s concerns. She then provides advice in a straight-forward yet compassionate way, informing clients of their legal rights.

Kate also works with the Mid-America Pension Rights Project handling client intake and research as a Research Assistant. Recently, Kate, via her research prowess, was able to assist in the recovery of over $78,000.00 in pension benefits for one of our clients. Because of Kate’s persistence and hard work, our client received what they were justly entitled to. This is just one of the many examples of Kate’s outstanding research work.

In her spare time, Kate enjoys the theater. “I think there is magic in the human connection that can happen in a live performance”, says Kate. Kate modestly admits that she even produced a few plays in New England, Texas, and New Mexico.

“A good laugh makes my day,” Kate said. Her wit and dry sense of humor are a delight to work with. She also enjoys her children immensely. Inspirational stories and sweet videos of kittens and puppies also brighten Kate’s day.

We honor Kate for the excellent job she does for our clients at ELM. Thank you Kate for being a team player as well as a joy to work with.

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Char is a Project Healthy Living Coach and Attorney with Elder Law of Michigan. In January 2013, Char became employed at ELM as an attorney focusing her efforts on writing articles for the blog as well as working on internal communications. Char holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Michigan State University, and graduated with her Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School over 30 years ago. Prior to joining ELM, Char worked for Michigan Health and Hospital Association as an attorney representing 140 hospitals throughout the state of Michigan in unemployment compensation cases.  Char has also received her certification as a Life Coach in 2004. Char is now teaching Project Healthy Living Classes in mid-Michigan and continues writing in various capacities for Elder Law of Michigan.