Tell me about your regular practice area: Where do you practice and what do you do? What do you love most about your job?
I practice family law in Mecklenburg, Iredell, and the surrounding counties. What I love most about my job is getting to help people who are struggling with oftentimes what are the most difficult issues in their life, whether they are issues relating to their children, their marriage, or other familial conflict. I find it to be incredibly important and rewarding tobe a guiding light for these clients and give them the information and help they need to navigate their legal issues.
What is your favorite pro bono experience?
My favorite pro bono experiences have been working with the Council for Children’s Rights as a part of their Custody Advocacy Program and taking on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases through the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. Both of these agencies and programs allow me to assist children in ways that will impact their futures immensely, and I am always grateful to be able to provide my services to them and their families.
Tell me about your experience with Pro Bono Resource Center projects.
The PBRC is an incredible resource for folks all over the state and I have been lucky enough to participate in a handful of PBRC’s programs. When I was in law school, I volunteered with the Compass Center Community Legal Project and helped to provide domestic violence and self-sufficiency services to survivors throughout the community. As a practitioner, I frequently volunteer for the Council for Children’s Rights Custody Advocacy Program and CCLA’s Special Immigrant Juvenile Status section.
How has pro bono volunteerism enriched your career?
Being able to provide pro bono services to people in need makes the rest of my career worthwhile. I am a firm believer that all people are entitled to legal representation, regardless of their ability to pay, and I think it’s vital that attorneys try to give back to their communities through pro bono service.
Of what moment(s) from your pro bono work are you proudest?
Nothing makes me happier than being able to help a family reach resolution, whether that means working with them to find the best custodial option for their child or helping a child find safe harbor in the United States after a harrowing immigration journey.
What advice would you give to attorneys who have not yet provided any pro bono service?
Pro bono service is incredibly rewarding and makes practicing as an attorney SO worthwhile. You will never find more grateful, responsive, or engaged clients than you will when you are helping people in a pro bono setting.