Kyle Brown, founding attorney and partner at Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC, recently attended ALS Arizona's annual Bite Nite gala at the Chateau Luxe in Phoenix, accompanied by his wife Cheree. The event, which brings together local chefs, supporters, volunteers, and members of the ALS community, aims to raise funds and awareness for ALS Arizona, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with ALS and their families through care services, education, resource connections, equipment support, and community programs.
Brown's participation in the gala is personal. "We recently lost a friend to ALS, and that loss has stayed with us," he said. "As a law firm, we are looking for ways to support ALS Arizona's mission and help families who are facing this disease with courage and strength." This sentiment underscores a growing trend among businesses, particularly legal firms, to engage in community service and philanthropy, recognizing that their role extends beyond professional duties to societal well-being.
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 34,000 adults in the U.S. are currently living with the disease. The impact of ALS is profound, not only on patients but also on their families, who often face significant emotional and financial challenges. Organizations like ALS Arizona play a crucial role in providing support and resources, and events like Bite Nite are vital for sustaining these services.
Brown, who has over 25 years of experience focusing on serious personal injury, wrongful death, estate planning, and probate, has extended his support beyond the gala. He is helping organize The Alpine Classic Golf Tournament scheduled for December 13, 2026, at Eagle Mountain Golf Club in Scottsdale, to raise additional funds for ALS Arizona. This involvement has led Brown & Hobkirk to collaborate more closely with the organization, with attorneys assisting families affected by ALS in preparing estate-planning documents. In May, Brown was invited to present on estate planning as part of ALS Arizona's "ALS 101" educational series for newly diagnosed individuals and their families.
The intersection of legal expertise and community support is particularly relevant for business leaders. Estate planning is a critical but often overlooked aspect of managing a chronic illness like ALS. By offering pro bono or reduced-cost services, law firms can alleviate some of the burdens on families already dealing with a devastating diagnosis. This initiative not only benefits the families but also enhances the firm's reputation and demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility.
"Lawyers have a responsibility to support the communities they serve, and organizations like ALS Arizona give us a direct way to make a difference," Brown said. This philosophy is becoming increasingly common in the corporate world, where stakeholders expect companies to contribute positively to society. For business leaders, this serves as a reminder that integrating community engagement into business models can have far-reaching benefits, including improved brand loyalty and employee morale.
Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC, a full-service law firm serving individuals, families, and businesses in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and throughout Arizona, offers services in estate planning, wills and trusts, probate, personal injury, family law, real estate, business law, divorce, and civil litigation. The firm is located at 17015 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 335, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, and can be reached online at brownhobkirk.com or by calling (480) 685-4036.
As the prevalence of ALS continues to affect thousands of Americans, the support from businesses and legal professionals like Brown is indispensable. This collaborative effort between the legal community and nonprofit organizations highlights how targeted assistance can make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing such challenging circumstances.
