Carolyn Cadem

Cadem Law Group

Carolyn Cadem, associate attorney at Cadem Law Group, dedicated 387 hours of uncompensated legal work to represent a client in Hall v. Hall, one of the most contentious family law cases in recent Minnesota practice, providing $64,778 in free legal aid. 

The case began as what appeared to be a routine custody dispute involving a middle-class father. However, the matter escalated significantly when the client’s ex-wife entered into what she described as a relationship with a married neurosurgeon. The case subsequently spiraled into chaos as the opposing parties fabricated evidence, filed false maltreatment reports, and leveled serial allegations against Cadem’s client, including claims of alcohol abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.

Cadem methodically disproved each false allegation through detailed investigation and evidence gathering. When opposing parties claimed her client sent a firearm with the children during an exchange, she uncovered a Facebook photo proving the gun belonged to the ex-wife’s former boyfriend. Throughout the proceedings, she faced personal attacks from the neurosurgeon, who accused her client of choosing her as counsel for improper reasons and filed a false ethics complaint against her.

Cadem continued her representation when her client exhausted his financial resources. Rather than withdrawing from the complex and contentious case, she requested permission to continue on a pro bono basis, demonstrating commitment to ensuring her client had competent representation despite his inability to pay.

The case exemplified challenges faced by middle-class litigants who lack resources to maintain legal representation in protracted disputes but earn too much to qualify for traditional legal aid services. Cadem’s extensive pro bono commitment ensured her client had experienced advocacy throughout proceedings marked by false allegations and fabricated evidence. Her work in Hall v. Hall represents significant dedication to access to justice and the ethical obligations of the legal profession to serve clients regardless of their ability to pay.