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EQUAL JUSTICE WORKS FELLOW, CLASS OF 2009
Name of Host Organization: The Legal Aid of Western Ohio
City, State: Toledo, Ohio
Issue area: Pro se and other legal representation systems, Other Area
THE INSPIRATION
I will be working in the Pro Bono Legal Assistance Project, which is a partner project between the Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO) and the Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE). While I was theoretically aware of the vast justice gap during law school, it wasn't until I spent my 2L summer at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland that I really understood what that meant for the families who had to go without.
THE PROJECT
The purpose of this project is to increase opportunities for law students to participate in pro bono activities, while also increasing support and assistance for volunteer attorneys in LAWO’s 32-county service area. I cultivate relations with law school students and faculty. I also work with legal aid staff, volunteer lawyers, government leaders, court personnel, judges and bar leaders in an effort to raise the awareness and visibility of pro bono work while expanding opportunities for participation. Learn more about my project on YouTube.
BIOGRAPHY
Hometown: | Buffalo, New York |
Law school: | |
Making the connection: | Before law school, I worked as a musician and teacher. At one point, I found myself working at an after school program in inner-city Buffalo, New York. I was there to give violin lessons. I remember meeting a brilliant, but sullen 8-year-old boy. After some prying, he revealed to me the turmoil and gross inadequacy of resources at home. There I was, trying to stick a violin under his chin. I felt utterly powerless. That was when I realized that I needed to get some sharper tools in my belt. That was why I came to law school. |
Surviving law school: | I think that one of the best ways to maintain a public service focus in law school is by surrounding yourself with a great group of people who share that passion. Such a network can not only share opportunities and information with each other, but can keep you upbeat when it seems that nobody else on campus is motivated by the same goals. |
Recommended books: | I recently read "Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words That Remade America" by Garry Wills, which was a fascinating take on a legal/political subject from the critical perspective of literature and oratory. One of my all-time favorite books is "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy. I love authors who know how to craft imagery so as to turn perceptions of ordinary life upside down. Roy is one of the very best. |
Favorite website(s): | I frequently visit www.npr.org to listen to the news segments anytime I want. I always put on episodes of This American Life when I clean my house. |
Music I love: | Mahler Symphony No. 6, because I had one of the best orchestral experiences of my life playing it; “Autumn Leaves” by Coldcut, because it is a beautiful electronic treatment of a classic song; “Get By” by Talib Kweli, because it inspires me. |
Words to live by: | Do what you love, love what you do. |