What type of pro bono legal service(s) have you performed?
Last summer, I worked with the Prince William County Public Defender’s Office, assisting attorneys in preparing for trial, conducting bond interviews at the Adult Detention Center, and drafting sentencing memoranda for indigent clients.
During law school, I’ve had the privilege of providing pro bono legal services through the Syracuse University College of Law Housing Clinic, where I represent tenants facing eviction and housing insecurity. In this role, I’ve conducted client interviews, drafted motions and settlement agreements, and appeared in court on behalf of clients who otherwise might not have had representation.
This summer, I’ll be joining the Legal Aid Society’s Wrongful Conviction Unit in Manhattan, continuing my commitment to public interest and client-centered advocacy.
What benefits did you experience from doing this work?
My pro bono experiences have shaped both my understanding of the law and my sense of purpose within it. Working directly with clients has shown me the power of listening and communication, which are skills that go beyond doctrine or procedure. I’ve learned how to translate complex legal processes into language that clients can understand and trust, which stems from my background in linguistics and my goal of making the law more accessible. Professionally, this work has strengthened my research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills, but personally, it has reinforced why I came to law school in the first place: making legalese more understandable and approachable to my clients.
What would you say to other law students considering pro bono work? Why would you recommend it to others?
I would tell other law students that pro bono work is one of the most meaningful parts of legal education. It allows you to step outside of the classroom and see the law’s real impact on people’s lives. It’s also an opportunity to build professional confidence early in your legal career through meeting clients, drafting pleadings, and appearing in court under supervision. More than anything, it reminds you that the legal system is built for people, not just precedent. Whether or not you plan to pursue public interest law, pro bono work gives you perspective, empathy, and a sense of responsibility that will shape your entire career.