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Michelle is one of hundreds of pro bono attorneys who provide ALRP’s HIV+ clients with high-quality legal services. Since 2009, she has diligently worked to ensure that ALRP clients can access the disability insurance benefits to which they are entitled.

For ALRP to have been born in the initial confusion and devastation of what HIV and AIDS did to the community and then evolve over the years to address all the new and ongoing needs … that’s just a huge accomplishment.

Michelle Roberts, Panel Attorney and Former Board Member
2015 Volunteer of the Year

How long have you been involved with ALRP?

I have been involved with ALRP for the past 14 years. In 2009, I became an ALRP Panel Attorney. I wanted to get more involved in the organization, so I also joined the ALRP Event Committee and helped plan fundraising events and obtain donations for the annual auction (which is a super fun event!). In 2010, I joined the ALRP Board of Directors and served for four years, including two years as Co-chair. I continue to be involved with ALRP as a Panel Attorney.

How did you learn about ALRP, and what motivates you to stay involved now?

I learned about ALRP through the first law firm I worked for after graduating from UC Berkeley School of Law in 2005. I started my own ERISA disability law practice with a former colleague in 2008 to help people with disabling medical conditions get the disability insurance benefits that they deserved. I was attracted to ALRP’s mission of helping those in the HIV/AIDS community access critical legal services, including denied insurance benefits. I’ve stayed involved with ALRP over the years because of the critical difference it makes in the lives of some of our most vulnerable neighbors.

What stands out to you in your work with ALRP?

What I love most about being a Panel Attorney is the appreciation expressed by ALRP clients who I’m able to help, whether it’s giving them information so they understand their rights, or helping overturn a claim denial. Recently, an ALRP client retained me to help overturn his long-term disability benefit denial that he received from his employer’s insurance company. Due to symptoms related to long COVID, this client has not been able to work, and to make matters worse, he was also laid off and has limited financial resources. I immediately connected with him and wanted to fight the denial. As a result, we just learned that the insurance carrier overturned their decision and will be paying his claim.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I just want to say that ALRP does God’s work. I’m grateful for the opportunities ALRP has given me to give back to the community.