Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast
Episode Title: Helping Hands, Legal Wins, and Community Impact with Scott Rudin of MDR LAW LLC
Host: Scott Becker
Release Date: August 15, 2025

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast, host Scott Becker welcomes Scott Rudin, the founding and managing partner of MDR Law LLC. Scott Rudin is not only a distinguished personal injury attorney but also a dedicated philanthropist passionate about supporting children and young adults with special needs. Throughout the conversation, Rudin delves into his dual roles, the genesis and growth of his charity initiatives, and the impactful community events that drive their mission forward.

Scott Rudin’s Professional Background

Scott Rudin begins by outlining his legal career, emphasizing the comprehensive and hands-on approach his firm takes with clients.

"We are trial attorneys. So when you come to our office and meet our attorneys, we're actually going to be the ones to take the case from start to finish. You won't be jobbed out or taken to another law firm for their area of expertise."
[01:00]

Rudin’s practice at MDR Law specializes in a broad spectrum of personal injury cases, including wrongful death, transportation and product liability, construction accidents, medical malpractice, and sexual abuse and assault cases. His firm prides itself on maintaining direct client-attorney relationships to ensure personalized and effective representation, aiming for satisfactory settlements or verdicts.

Charity Work and Helping Hands Network

Beyond his legal career, Scott Rudin is deeply committed to philanthropy, particularly through the Helping Hands Network—a 501(c)(3) organization he co-founded.

"We raise money for children and young adults with developmental challenges and disabilities. We are a main fundraising arm for an organization called KESHET and NSSRA, which is the Northern Suburban Recreational Association."
[02:00]

Rudin shares the personal motivation behind his charitable efforts, rooted in his family's experience with his son who was autistic. Although his son sadly passed away six years prior to the podcast, Rudin and his wife Debbie have channeled their experiences into supporting organizations that provide essential services like recreational placements, job placement, housing, and vocational training for children with special needs.

He highlights the critical need for these services, especially in the face of government cutbacks and stringent state regulations that often leave such organizations underfunded and understaffed.

The Golf Tournament and Partnership with Celebrities

A significant highlight of Rudin’s charitable endeavors is the annual golf and game day event, which has grown remarkably over 27 years.

"We started with 50 people at a golf course out south called Ruffled Feathers, and it has now grown into a 450 person event."
[03:52]

Rudin recounts how the event was initially intended to attract golf enthusiasts and introduce them to the mission of KESHET. The turning point came when a friend connected them with Jeremy Roenick, a Chicago Blackhawks Hall of Famer, who brought additional celebrity support. This synergy extended to other sports figures like Tony Kukoc of the NBA Chicago Bulls, who continue to participate without compensation, embodying genuine belief in the cause.

"The most unique thing about our event, and we call it a celebrity event, are the celebrities are not paid to be there. They come literally because they believe in our mission."
[06:11]

The inclusivity and authenticity of the event have been pivotal in its sustained success, fostering a community of supporters and raising substantial funds annually—almost half a million dollars from recent events.

Current Trends and Challenges in Fundraising

Rudin discusses the evolving landscape of fundraising, noting both the increased competition among charitable organizations and the scarcity of funds.

"It is very difficult. Funds are scarce now. There are cutbacks in funding to all charitable organizations and everything is very scrutinized."
[06:27]

He underscores the long-term financial commitments required by families of children with special needs, likening it to funding a child’s education throughout their entire life—a burden many families cannot bear alone. This realization drives the imperative for robust community support and innovative fundraising strategies to ensure that every child receives the necessary resources.

Personal Insights and Community Impact

The conversation takes a personal turn as Scott Becker brings up a mutual friend, Eric Schloss, with a lighthearted question about improving his golf skills.

"Eric has a direct connection to the man Upstairs because he does the best work ever as a friend and as a charity fundraiser... His golf game is definitely going to improve."
[08:55]

Rudin responds warmly, highlighting Schloss’s dedication both professionally and philanthropically. The exchange exemplifies the tight-knit community that underpins their charitable efforts, where personal relationships and shared commitments amplify their impact.

As the discussion wraps up, Rudin expresses heartfelt gratitude towards the community and supporters, emphasizing the collective effort required to sustain such meaningful work.

"After 27 years, we had the biggest showing that we've had... close to half a million dollars from this one event that we're going to donate to these charities. And it's amazing."
[10:02]

Conclusion and Additional Information

Scott Becker concludes the episode by lauding Rudin’s remarkable contributions both in the legal field and in charitable endeavors.

For listeners interested in supporting or learning more about the Helping Hands Network, Rudin points them to their website:

"It's helpinghandstoday.org"
[12:24]

The episode serves as a testament to how dedicated individuals like Scott Rudin leverage their professional success to drive positive change, fostering a supportive community for those with special needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Comprehensive Legal Support: MDR Law LLC offers full-spectrum personal injury services with a client-centric approach.
• Passionate Philanthropy: The Helping Hands Network, co-founded by Rudin, is committed to supporting children with special needs through generous fundraising and community support.
• Successful Community Events: The annual golf and game day event exemplifies effective fundraising through community engagement and celebrity participation.
• Challenges in Fundraising: Increased competition and reduced funding necessitate innovative and sustained efforts to support vulnerable populations.
• Personal Commitment: Rudin’s personal experiences deeply inform his philanthropic mission, highlighting the profound impact of community support.

For further information or to support their initiatives, visit helpinghandstoday.org.