I left a successful career to start a suburban legal-aid. While the largest number of poor now live in suburbs, the resources are extremely scarce - see new Brookings Institute Report (Confronting Suburban Poverty in America). We rely heavily on volunteer attorneys to help fill the justice gap. I believe every attorney should support equal access to justice through time and/or resources, however, I oppose mandating such service or making pro bono an object of shame or competition.
We should serve those who need equal access to justice because it is the right thing to do. We should tell more stories of the difference a lawyer can make to a widow facing foreclosure, a single mom needing support, a dad being denied wages, or an immigrant being exploited. We are the greatest nation on earth and we can make our pledge of justice for all a reality for those who need help and hope. For more on this amazing opportunity to positively influence clients and communites please read the book, "Gospel Justice" which can be found on Amazon or in most bookstores. The book is filled with the stories of hundreds of lives that are changed when an attorney takes even a small amount of time to make a difference.
Let's not treat lawyers like children - "If you don't eat your vegetables, you won't grow strong." "If you don't do pro bono then you aren't a strong lawyer." What child wants to be forced to do something? He will only resent doing it. I don't want volunteers to resent helping the poor. I want lawyers to see the great opportunity they have to represent democracy in action and change lives by helping avoid the tragic consequences that can happen when one does not have access to counsel.
Contrary to popular opinion, I love lawyers. They serve a critically important role in our nation and communities. They are smart and can navigate complex issues with great ability. We need to help them see they can navigate poverty law just as easily. We need to show them the economic, social, spiritual and systemic impact they can have by taking small, manageable steps in assisting our low-income neighbors in need. I appreciate greatly the 'end' New York wishes to accomplish, but I have to disagree with their 'means'. To learn more about a new national movement to encourage lawyers and churches to get involved in helping the poor and vulnerable visit, www.gji.org.
While we are a faith-based group, we serve all people and welcome all lawyers to serve with us. We never mandate any religious position, but serve because we believe that is what God desires. We believe God loves all people and so should we. That includes lawyers. The only thing I ask of our volunteers is that they treat the poor with the dignity they deserve. Why wouldn't I ask the same of our judicial system? Why should we treat lawyers with less dignity assuming they are selfish, uncaring people. That is absolutely not my experience and simply fuels a stereotype, much like too many people stereotype the poor as drunk, homeless, mentally ill. Both are simply not true of the overwhelming majority. Let's treat lawyers with the dignity they deserve and not mandate conduct. Let's engage in a new way of inviting participation by demonstrating the incredible positive impact the lawyer can have in making equal access to justice possible.
I left a successful career to start a suburban legal-aid. While the largest number of poor now live in suburbs, the resources are extremely scarce - see new Brookings Institute Report (Confronting Suburban Poverty in America). We rely heavily on volunteer attorneys to help fill the justice gap. I believe every attorney should support equal access to justice through time and/or resources, however, I oppose mandating such service or making pro bono an object of shame or competition.
We should serve those who need equal access to justice because it is the right thing to do. We should tell more stories of the difference a lawyer can make to a widow facing foreclosure, a single mom needing support, a dad being denied wages, or an immigrant being exploited. We are the greatest nation on earth and we can make our pledge of justice for all a reality for those who need help and hope. For more on this amazing opportunity to positively influence clients and communites please read the book, "Gospel Justice" which can be found on Amazon or in most bookstores. The book is filled with the stories of hundreds of lives that are changed when an attorney takes even a small amount of time to make a difference.
Let's not treat lawyers like children - "If you don't eat your vegetables, you won't grow strong." "If you don't do pro bono then you aren't a strong lawyer." What child wants to be forced to do something? He will only resent doing it. I don't want volunteers to resent helping the poor. I want lawyers to see the great opportunity they have to represent democracy in action and change lives by helping avoid the tragic consequences that can happen when one does not have access to counsel.
Contrary to popular opinion, I love lawyers. They serve a critically important role in our nation and communities. They are smart and can navigate complex issues with great ability. We need to help them see they can navigate poverty law just as easily. We need to show them the economic, social, spiritual and systemic impact they can have by taking small, manageable steps in assisting our low-income neighbors in need. I appreciate greatly the 'end' New York wishes to accomplish, but I have to disagree with their 'means'. To learn more about a new national movement to encourage lawyers and churches to get involved in helping the poor and vulnerable visit, www.gji.org.
While we are a faith-based group, we serve all people and welcome all lawyers to serve with us. We never mandate any religious position, but serve because we believe that is what God desires. We believe God loves all people and so should we. That includes lawyers. The only thing I ask of our volunteers is that they treat the poor with the dignity they deserve. Why wouldn't I ask the same of our judicial system? Why should we treat lawyers with less dignity assuming they are selfish, uncaring people. That is absolutely not my experience and simply fuels a stereotype, much like too many people stereotype the poor as drunk, homeless, mentally ill. Both are simply not true of the overwhelming majority. Let's treat lawyers with the dignity they deserve and not mandate conduct. Let's engage in a new way of inviting participation by demonstrating the incredible positive impact the lawyer can have in making equal access to justice possible.
Just one lawyers opinion.