If you are a Minnesota attorney, there’s no doubt you heard the news earlier this week of the stabbing of Fridley-based family law attorney Terri Melcher. It was a See also, Statement of MSBA President Leo Brisboisbrutal attack by an ex-husband of one of Ms. Melcher’s family law clients, and brought to mind another horrible event in 2003, when Osseo attorney Rick Hendrickson was shot and his client killed by a disgruntled opposing party. Coming on the heels of the arrest and imprisonment of Peter Erlinder in Rwanda three weeks ago, the stabbing of Ms. Melcher is a stark reminder of the dangers at times of simply being an attorney.

Thankfully, Terri, like Rick, survived the attack and she is apparently (if not already) being released from the hospital. At the same time, response from attorneys and colleagues has been swift and strong. Expressions of sympathy, outrage, and “we support you” have poured into listservs and e-mails, and a lot of us are wondering what else we can do.

Apparently, Terri’s solo practice is in good shape, with office mates and friends pitching in to make sure pending client matters are handled in her absence. A benefit fund for Terri has also been set up with the help of the Anoka County Bar Association (see comments or links below for contact and deposit info) to help Terri with any expenses she may have while working to get back to her health (and her practice). If you are interested in contributing to the fund or in simply sending on a message of support to Terri, click on the links below for more information.

Contributions to the Terri Melcher Benefit Fund

Sending Messages of Support