Chicago Volunteer Legal Services recognizes Chuhak & Tecson’s Missy Turk Firmage and Nicholas Zausch for their commitment to pro bono service

Over the past 60 years, thousands of attorneys throughout Chicagoland have dedicated their time and efforts on a pro bono basis to Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (CVLS) and its mission to help people working or living in poverty get access to quality legal representation and services that are all too often beyond their reach. Two of those dedicated lawyers – Chuhak & Tecson’s Missy Turk Firmage and Nicholas Zausch – were recently recognized by CVLS for their years of commitment, compassion and hard work serving as guardians ad litem and protecting the rights, health and well-being of minors and disabled adults.  

At an event on June 18, 2025, both Firmage and Zausch will be inducted into CVLS’ 2025 Honor Roll. This distinction recognizes volunteers who have dedicated themselves to providing pro bono services to low-income clients.

Lindsey Paige Markus, leader of Chuhak & Tecson’s Estate Planning & Asset Protection practice group, says that the award is more than well-deserved and reflects both lawyers’ steadfast determination to ensure that those most vulnerable to abuse, exploitation or harm can avail themselves of the protections provided by the legal system.

“Missy and Nick are extraordinary attorneys not just because of the quality of their work, but also because they are so passionate about that work,” Markus says. “In their practice and in their pro bono efforts, they both demonstrate extraordinary empathy and genuine, deeply felt concern for those they represent. We are so proud of them and all they do and contribute to make lives better for others in their community.”

Firmage, whose private trust and estate practice involves a significant amount of guardianship work, serves CVLS clients as a guardian ad litem for minors, often in situations involving serious abuse and neglect allegations. She also serves as Third Chair on CVLS’ Associate Board and has served on the board for the past several years.

Zausch, an experienced probate practitioner, acts in a guardian ad litem capacity for adult CVLS clients while also providing counsel on matters involving estate planning, complex estate litigation and estate tax.

CVLS is the first and pre-eminent pro bono civil legal aid provider in Chicago, leveraging the time and talents of more than 2,300 volunteer attorneys to deliver the most comprehensive, efficient and cost-effective civil legal aid in Chicago.

Chuhak & Tecson congratulates Firmage and Zausch on their induction into the CVLS Honor Roll and for all of the work they do, year in and year out, to ensure that underserved individuals and families in Chicago receive the counsel and support they need and deserve.