Cardelli Lanfear Law

Cardelli Lanfear was founded 21 years ago by managing partner, Thomas Cardelli, and community service has always been a cornerstone of the firm's core values. As part of its ongoing commitment to stewardship, the firm extends its commitment beyond monetary contributions with a focus on donations of time and talent. While its members serve on multiple church, civic and educational boards, the firm seeks ways to further engage its employees in its culture of community involvement. In addition to a recent $100,000 commitment to Boys & Girls Club of South Oakland County over the next 10 years, the firm's employees are actively encouraged to donate their time during business hours to mentoring the children at the Boys & Girls Club. Additionally, Cardelli Lanfear has just renewed its commitment to a third year of sponsorship of Detroit Cristo Rey High School's work study program. The Catholic, co-ed, college-preparatory high school on Detroit's southwest side offers a private school education to students who could not typically afford one. Seventy-five percent of Cristo Rey's population comes from Detroit Public Schools or charter schools and test behind grade level in reading and math when they enter the school. The centerpiece of the Cristo Rey model is that each student is part of a team of four students who together fill a single, full-time entry level position at a sponsoring employer. 100% of the pay for the position goes to the school to help cover the cost of their education. Through the support of Cardelli Lanfear and sponsors like them, Cristo Rey sends 100% of its graduating seniors on to college. In addition to providing the educational opportunity, the employees at Cardelli Lanfear provide mentoring, training, real-life work skills, workplace etiquette and advice to students who might not ever be given that opportunity. The firm also provides ongoing support to South Oakland Shelter through monetary and in-kind donations. During the 2012 holiday season, employees shopped and provided clothing, air mattresses, bedding and toiletries to the Shelter to aid in temporary lodging and supportive services to homeless individuals and their families.