Candace S. Whitaker
Pro Bono Senior Manager
Overview
Candace Whitaker develops and manages pro bono initiatives for Faegre Drinker’s lawyers in California, Colorado and Iowa, as well as firmwide initiatives. She led the firm’s Africa Project, and currently co-leads the firm’s Justice for Veterans Project.
Faegre Baker Daniels was the first law firm in Colorado to create a professional position to direct efforts to increase access to the justice system in communities, underscoring the firm's strong commitment to pro bono service.
Legal Practice Experience
Prior to joining the firm, Candace was in private practice in criminal defense and family law. She was also a former Assistant Public Defender in Hillsborough County, Florida, and an adjunct professor of law at Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Personal Interests
Candace enjoys travel and scuba diving.Credentials
Bar Admissions
Colorado
Education
University of South Florida
M.A. in Library & Information Science (1997)
Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law
J.D. (1986)
Florida State University
B.S. in Political Science (1983)
Insights & Events
Other Perspectives
- Doing Well by Doing Good: Why and How One Big Law Firm Values Pro Bono
Co-author with Heather Carson Perkins, Colorado Lawyer, March 2018 - Western States Pro Bono Opportunities Panel
Pro Bono Institute, 2017 - Pro Bono & Volunteerism
Co-presenter with Charles Mao, Pro Bono Week CLE: Get Introduced to Volunteering with Metro Volunteer Lawyers, 2017 - Access to Justice and Law Firm Pro Bono
University of Denver, Sturm College of Law, Asylum Law class guest speaker, 2008-11 - Colorado Asylum Practice
Co-author with Marie Williams, Trends, 2008
Leadership & Community
Professional Associations
- Association of Pro Bono Counsel
- Colorado Bar Association
- Denver Bar Association
- Faculty of Federal Advocates
Civic Activities
- Denver Catholic Charities — Board Member, 2012-15
- Metro Volunteer Lawyers — Board Member, 2010-16 (Board Chair, 2015-16
- St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Denver — Member; EMHC; Baptismal Preparation Instructor; Alpha Course Facilitator
Firm Leadership
- Pro Bono Committee
Honors
- Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2020-23
- Law Week Colorado — Outstanding Legal Professional of the Year, 2013
- United States District Court for the District of Colorado — Outstanding Service to Civil Pro Bono Panel, 2016
- Faegre Baker Daniels — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2012-19