Congratulations to Renea Saade, ANDVSA’s October Volunteer Attorney of the Month! With more than 25 years in private practice and a commitment to giving back, Renea brings experience, curiosity, and care to her work with survivors. Her story shows how stepping outside a familiar practice area can open the door to rewarding work.
Renea had long noticed ANDVSA’s pro bono opportunities shared by the Bar Association. When her work schedule became more flexible, volunteering with ANDVSA felt like a perfect match. She attended an ANDVSA CLE and began volunteering in late 2025. Renea has assisted two ANDVSA clients with pro bono protective order extensions.
While pro bono service was already part of her career, most of that work had focused on employment law. Renea’s ANDVSA protective order cases are an opportunity to stretch her skills and learn a new practice area.
Fortunately, she has people in her corner.
“It has been impressive as far as the support,” Renea shared, recognizing ANDVA staff members Katy, Natasha, and Stephanie for their legal, paralegal, and administrative assistance. Patient court staff have also helped Renea to better understand the procedural and calendaring nuances of this area of law. That support helps round out the professional experience, but the connection with clients is what makes it personal.
“You’re helping someone go through a difficult transition at a time when they need someone they can genuinely trust and rely upon.”For Renea, volunteering is about being that trusted partner. She appreciates the importance of helping clients understand the process so they can feel better equipped to more confidently navigate the legal system in the future.
Raised in Washington state, Renea knew from a young age that she wanted to become a lawyer. The first in her family to attend college, she earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington and her law degree from Northeastern University. . After practicing in Boston for five years, she returned to Seattle to be closer to family. A later opportunity brought her to Anchorage, which has now been home for more than 17 years.
After a lengthy career in private practice at firms and within corporations, Renea opened Arctic Tern HR Solutions last year. Today, she provides mediation and hearing officer services, employment law advice and human resources consulting, including fractional and interim HR recruitment services, leadership support and coaching, and workplace training and investigative services. She also helps executives and learned professionals negotiate or understand their employment contract rights and obligations. Across these roles, she enjoys helping others reach resolutions to workplace disputes, better understand complex employment law concepts, identify solutions to HR challenges, and improve personnel processes.
Her community involvement extends well beyond her practice. She provides pro bono support to several Alaska nonprofits and social service agencies, serves on the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission, and has held board leadership roles with community organizations.
Outside of work, her two children, ages 10 and 16, keep life lively. If she isn’t at a ballpark, she’s likely exploring Alaska with her family. They’re also a dog-loving household, whether walking their own dog or fostering puppies.
Renea encourages fellow attorneys to make pro bono service part of their regular practice. She sees legal knowledge as a privilege and an opportunity to help fellow Alaskans who cannot afford the rising costs associated with hiring legal counsel.
Her message to attorneys considering volunteering is practical: explore the opportunities and find a commitment that fits your schedule. Helping with a protective order can be a manageable way to contribute, and even a small amount of time can meaningfully impact a client’s life.
Her guiding principle captures the spirit behind that commitment: “Be generous with your time and knowledge – they are your greatest gifts.”
Thank you, Renea, for sharing your time, expanding your skills, and helping survivors stay protected!
Inspired to get involved? Contact ANDVSA’s legal team to learn about volunteer opportunities and available support. Whether you bring years of relevant experience or a willingness to learn something new, your legal skills can make a meaningful difference.