Pro Bono Adventures
Featured Volunteer: Michael Canges
March 2026
Colorado Lawyer is spreading tales of pro bono adventures to highlight the impact that pro bono work can have on someone’s life. This month’s featured volunteer is distinguished attorney Michael Canges, who retired after more than 60 years in practice in Colorado. Now on inactive status, Canges was assisted by Casey Frank pursuant to CRCP 223.*
Michael’s Story: Helping Betty With Her Financial Plan
Betty, who was retirement age, came to the VA legal clinic worried about protecting her pension. She lived with a significant service-related disability, limiting her future earning capacity, and her $60,000 pension was essential to her long-term financial stability. Betty was anxious about several investment decisions and feared that one misstep could jeopardize everything.
After listening to the details, Casey and I realized that Betty’s concerns stemmed from routine changes associated with a maturing account and ordinary rollover options. Drawing on our legal experience, we were able to reassure her that her funds were secure.
Still, important decisions remained. Betty had experience as an employee, not as a financial professional, and she needed guidance. We spent time discussing her family situation, income and expenses, future needs, estate considerations, and investment options. It quickly became clear that this wasn’t a one-conversation issue, so we recommended she seek the help of a financial adviser.
With Betty’s permission, I elicited donated assistance about investment strategies from a financial adviser I knew professionally. Together, Betty and the adviser reviewed the options, taking special care to address pressure from family members who felt entitled to her financial resources. Over time, a clear, informed plan emerged. Betty concluded that a certificate of deposit best met her needs and chose a bank whose terms and rates felt right to her.
Once Betty’s finances were secured, her future felt more stable, and she expressed deep appreciation for the support she received. We were equally grateful to improve the future of a veteran whose service has benefited us all.
* The authors urge retired or inactive lawyers to assist licensed colleagues and use their invaluable experience for pro bono work. Alternatively, inactive lawyers can practice with no annual fee as “pro bono counsel” for a nonprofit. See how at www.coloradolegalregulation.com/future-lawyers/probonocounsel.
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