Spotlight: Karl Christiansen

Karl is one of hundreds of pro bono attorneys who provide ALRP’s HIV+ clients with high-quality legal services. He has been drafting wills for ALRP clients since 1997, ensuring that their end-of-life wishes are respected.

What was your first impression of ALRP?

From the beginning of my involvement with ALRP, I always looked at the organization as a valuable resource—not only to clients, because of the volunteers’ deep resonance and compassion with the clients, but also to the legal community, as a place to learn about pro bono services and the specific needs of ALRP’s clients. Even today, looking in my email, I had an invitation for a Continuing Legal Education program, which is again such a vital resource to the legal community—and to the clients, ultimately.

You joined ALRP over 25 years ago. Do you think our services are still necessary?

The world at large still has deep prejudice against people with HIV. It is still a stigmatizing disease, and it’s still something that is seen on the margins. And there will always be a need for legal services for people who are dealing with housing issues, or health insurance issues, or healthcare issues, or purely just identity as somebody with HIV or AIDS. There will always be a need for legal services there, and I’m so glad that ALRP is here to help in that regard.

What has had the largest impact on you in your work with ALRP?

The things that stand out for me the most with ALRP are the moments and relationships I have had, and continue to have, with clients—and how meaningful that is, to feel our work is helpful and meaningful to those clients. That will always be dear to me.

Why do you think 40 years is an important landmark for an HIV organization in particular?

Forty years ago, none of us thought that there would be a still be a need for ALRP today. Sadly, there definitely is and we all wish that was not the case. I’m grateful that the organization is still relevant, scrappy, and is providing critical help to many hundreds of people each year.

Anything else you would like to add?

Thinking back on the inception of ALRP and all of the people who have been so involved over the years, many of whom are no longer with us… Their contributions remain as central as ever, and their memory is cherished, and part of this organization, and always will be.