Here are some samples of what clients have written to Attorney DeGelleke. The last names have been deleted for privacy:
From a young man acquitted of operating under the influence:
"I can't begin to explain how much I appreciate your skill, as well as your flexibility with the timing of payments...what a weight you took off my shoulders during my last semester of grad school!"
Jon
From another person acquitted by a jury:
"Your skill in the courtroom is nothing short of amazing! The jury was riveted by your final argument, and they saw that the judge clearly respects you as well. During a recess, a court officer said that you are the best lawyer he has seen in his 30 years of watching trials. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!"
Mark
From a client who is in chronic pain as a result of medical malpractice:
"I want to let you know how much your efforts mean to me. There are so many people who don't want to deal with this stuff (the pain, etc.) any more. You have been there for me and continue to stand by me...and I am forever grateful!"
Alison
From the mother of a client with emotional difficulties who received probation and no conviction despite having a criminal record:
"Thank you so much, Peter for coming to our rescue. I can't thank you enough for your help. You have a wonderfully calm, persuasive manner in your approach, and I would not hesitate to nominate you to become a Supreme Court justice."
Donna
From a client in a medical malpractice case:
"As each minute passed [during trial]. I became more and more impressed with your questioning skills, attention to detail, and ability...I am still in awe of all of the work and preparation that you put into this case. Thank you Peter, from my heart, with deep respect."
Don
From a Superior Court judge after the conclusion of a lengthy case that generated international publicity:
Dear Attorney DeGelleke,
You handled the case with skill and the situation with class. You're a credit to the profession...
From Margaret Marshall, Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court:
As your term on the Clients' Security Bopard has come to a close, I write on behalf of the Justices to express our thanks for your service as a member, Vice Chair and Chair of the Board. The Justices recognize the substantial commitment of time and effort that is required, and we are most grateful for your willingness to devote your talents to this task. The Clients' Security Board provides an important public service, and we thank you for your commitment to the Board over the past five years.
From Professor Peter Murray, Harvard Law School:
Your willingness to give so generously of your great talent and energy to teach our students how to try cases in court speaks volumes of the kind of person you are - the best. The success of the Trial Advocacy Workshop over the last 30 years has depended entirely on the hard work and teaching talent of you and the other members of the faculty...
September 11 Representation
Attorney DeGelleke is proud to have been one of the first volunteers in the largest pro bono project in history. Trial Lawyers Care, Inc. was created by the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA) to provide free representation to all persons who were injured or lost loved ones in the terrorist attacks of September 11 who decide to file a claim with the Victim Compensation Fund that was created by Congress. He represented, at no charge, the family of a man who died in the North Tower, and obtained an award of approximately $1.3 million on their behalf. The representation required approximately 350 hours of work. The most gratifying part of this effort was the fact that Attorney DeGelleke's expertise and effort appeared to help these wonderful people achieve some measure of closure.
"In one the most trying times for our nation and my family, you were there for us. We will forever be most grateful for your expert assistance, generosity and guidance as we muddled through the chaos and confusion of the government paperwork. It has been a very trying 18 months and with your guidance, we are able to close another chapter."
Maryellen P.
"I want to thank you so much for guiding my family through the dark and difficult times we've faced. Your fine deeds have helped us in ways words cannot describe. One big negative to your kindness and generosity is that I must put to rest all my lawyer jokes. I've had quite a bag of them, but it's an easy trade off for all of your help! Thank you again for your strength, wisdom and spirit.
Bob P.
"You have been a friend to us. Mere words can never express our gratitude for all you have done for us. You work has been far above any call of duty as your support has been helping us through this terrible time in our lives. You helped us through this process in such a friendly, professional way and kept us informed of all we needed to know. With sincerest thanks for everything..."
Jim and Kay P.
"Trial Lawyers Care, Inc. hereby recognizes and thanks Peter G. DeGelleke as a Lawyer Volunteer willing to provide free, quality legal representation to eligible victims and their families who seek compensation under the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund. We appreciate the generous donation of your legal expertise and your dedication to helping the victims and families touched by the events of September 11."
Leo V. Boyle, President
Association of Trial Lawyers of America