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AMERICORPS LEGAL FELLOW, CLASS OF 2009
Name of Host Organization: Public Law Center
City, State: Santa Ana, California
Issue area: Consumer Rights
THE INSPIRATION
The number of individuals filing for bankruptcy has almost doubled since last year. Additionally, a large reason for the increase in bankruptcy filings is related to the current foreclosure crisis. For low-income clients, these issues are especially difficult. I am here to provide advice and legal assistance to these clients, which helps to ease their mind and get a fresh start.
THE PROJECT
The goals of my project are to develop the bankruptcy practice at the Public Law Center and to aid our low-income clients with their bankruptcy filing, including whether or not they need to file; to develop a foreclosure prevention and advice practice at the Public Law Center that will assist clients with any aspect of their foreclosure; and to encourage local law students and attorneys to become involved in public interest work in any form.
BIOGRAPHY
Hometown: | Seattle, Washington |
Law school: | |
Making the connection: | When deciding to go to law school, I knew there was a need for attorneys to serve those who could not afford a lawyer. I was not sure what area would suit me best, but I felt I could fill a gap somewhere. Having had diverse experiences during law school, through externships, from summer clerkships and classes, I was able to develop a better idea of what an attorney can do to achieve social justice. I also realized that an attorney does not necessarily have to work in a public interest organization in order to fight for social justice. |
Surviving law school: | Law school is . . . different. People go to law school for all different reasons. I recommend finding people you get along with, that understand that public interest is worthwhile, whether or not they choose to do it. And connect with as many professors as possible - having a professor as your advocate is priceless. |
Favorite website(s): | www.equaljusticesociety.org is an interesting organization with a goal to heighten consciousness "on race in the law and popular discourse." www.nytimes.com is where I get a lot of my news, particularly relating to nationwide bankruptcy and foreclosure trends. |