Staff highlights

Maisue Thao, guardianship attorney

Guardianship is a complicated legal process that removes many personal rights and civil liberties. People who are subject to guardianship are often the most vulnerable members of society. They are people with learning disabilities, medical and mental health issues, and other challenges that can put them at risk of being manipulated by others.

Given their vulnerabilities, these individuals need someone in their corner who will look out for their best interests. Maisue Thao, an attorney on Adult Representation Services’ guardianship team, has devoted her career to doing just that.

“It is crucial that our clients have legal representation in court to ensure their rights, freedoms and civil liberties are not taken away,” said Thao.

Born in the Ban Vinai Refugee Camp in Thailand, Thao immigrated to the U.S. with her family when she was 3. She grew up in California but has spent most of her life in Minnesota. Prior to joining ARS in 2021, she served as an assistant public defender, a judicial law clerk, and a legal assistant with the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, among other roles.

Thao’s team at ARS is unique in that they are the only legal agency in Minnesota that solely represents the people subject to guardianship, versus the guardians themselves. This enables Thao and her colleagues to focus solely on the rights of their clients. And they do so with the added layer of accountability and dedicated public service that comes with being a county agency.

ARS attorneys also educate clients about health care directives, power of attorney, and other alternatives to guardianship. “We need to start having more discussions about supported decision making, where family and friends can continue to assist our clients without the need for guardianship and conservatorship,” said Thao.

In a recent case, Thao’s client suffered a medical event that led to ongoing hospitalization. He was struggling cognitively and unable to care for himself. He needed someone trustworthy to assist with paying rent and bills, renewing insurance and benefits, and other critical tasks.

Thao’s expertise was vital to developing a legal arrangement that enabled family members to step in as needed, while also protecting her client’s rights.

Following that case, the client’s niece sent Thao a thank-you note, which she gave permission to share. The note says a lot about the mission and culture of ARS:

“Maisue, I wanted to thank you so much for all your help. … You get all the credit for thoroughly prepping us. Your kindness and your immense help won the day…

I practiced law in a huge law firm on the East Coast. … I did legal briefs and writing and never saw the inside of a courtroom. I worked 100 hours a week and quit after two years.…Had I found a job like yours – working hard but truly making a difference – I would have stayed.”

Published 8/9/24