Staff Profile: Marilyn Fitzpatrick

Back

July, 2011 – When a new Legal Aid client steps off the elevator and into the Cleveland office, there is a good chance they will see the smiling face of Marilyn Fitzpatrick. For more than a decade, Ms. Fitzpatrick has been a receptionist for Legal Aid, welcoming clients and directing them to resources.

Earlier this year, Ms. Fitzpatrick was mentioned in The Plain Dealer’s “Thankful Thursday” by a grateful client: “I went to the Legal Aid Society on January 20 with a problem and saw Marilyn. She was so caring and knowledgeable. Thank you for having such a good employee.” Ms. Fitzpatrick responds, “I was shocked; I was just doing my job.”

Legal Aid Deputy Director David B. Dawson says, “Marilyn is in the position of being a problem solver. It’s a position that requires tact, sensitivity, and compassion. We are a bridge over troubled water, and she is the first step in constructing that bridge.”

Marilyn Fitzpatrick at Legal Aid's Cleveland reception desk.

Indeed, Ms. Fitzpatrick, a Cleveland native, values Legal Aid’s mission. What resonates with her most, she says, are domestic violence cases. She has empathy for the many women who walk through the doors of Legal Aid when they are in the midst of a crisis.  Ms. Fitzpatrick smiles as she describes clients who come in looking defeated and leave with a visible sense of relief: “They sign the papers to end the dispute and leave walking on air.”

About Us
Donate
Get Help
Success Stories
photo
Four-year-old now thrives in school because of Legal Aid
Ms. Medina was troubled by the behavior of her son Juwan. Though only three years old, Juwan was exceptionally quiet and hardly spoke at all.

Read More

Learn more about Legal Aid's Education practice area.

photo
Legal Aid Helps Puerto Rican Community
We wanted to make sure low-income Puerto Ricans were informed about the change and the application process in order to prevent future problems. Fred

Read more about the new Puerto Rican law

photo
Quick Action Saves Water Service for Ashtabula Client
The automatic stay gives immediate protection to a debtor upon filing of a petition with the Bankruptcy Court. A creditor does not need actual notice before the automatic stay comes into effect.

Read More

Learn more about housing.

photo
Staff Attorney Profile: Peter Iskin
I became a lawyer with the goal of using those skills for some social good.

Read More

Learn more about Legal Aid's housing work.

  • photo1
  • photo1
  • photo1
  • photo1