What inspired you to take on pro bono work, and how has it shaped your perspective as an attorney?

One of my greatest duties as a human being is to be of service to others and to my community. I believe being an attorney heightens my obligation to meet this duty. Providing pro bono legal services and seeing the impact it can have on people’s lives is not only inspiring, it reminds me of the importance of the work we get to do each day as attorneys.

Can you share a specific pro bono matter or client experience that was particularly meaningful or inspiring? What impact did it have on you personally or professionally?

One instance that sticks out occurred this summer at an expungement clinic for CARE of Southeastern Michigan. Taft helped at five clinics over this summer and while some people we assisted received good news as to expungement eligibility, others did not. I informed one lady that she was not currently — and possibly would never be — eligible to have her past record set aside, yet she surprised me with gratitude and appreciation.

She expressed relief of finally just having an answer to a question that had been weighing on her for years and found solace in being able to move past it for the time being. Although disappointed, she shared how much it meant to have that someone simply sit and listen to her story. My lesson: sometimes people just want to be heard and to connect with another human being. I can get lost in the complexities of the work and blow past the fact that we are dealing with people who may, at times, just need an ear and a shoulder. Pro bono work helps remind me of that.

What pro bono organizations have you been involved with?

I have been involved with CARE of Southeastern Michigan, Access to Bankruptcy Court, Blue Water Recovery and Outreach Center, Lakeshore Legal Aid, and the Pro Se Prisoner Early Mediation Program for the Eastern District of Michigan.

What advice would you give to your colleagues who are considering getting involved in pro bono work but don’t know where to start?

I recommend you contact Taft Pro Bono Counsel, Rachel Jennings, to get started. I would also suggest talking with local pro bono committee members or reaching out to attorneys featured in Taft for Good to ask about their personal experiences. Some solid first steps to get the ball rolling: (1) put yourself out there; (2) talk to those with personal pro bono experience; and (3) say yes to opportunities to be of service. Please feel free to reach out to me as well if you have questions.