While the holiday season was busy for many people with parties and family gatherings, The Pro Bono Project was having some busy days with law students from George Washington Law, American University Washington College of Law and Columbia Law School.
Working with Chief Legal Officer Linton Carney and staff attorneys Pat Guzman-Weema and Ona Sanders Dudonis, along with paralegal Zakiya LaGrange, the students had the opportunity to prepare affidavits, attend clinics, meet with clients and handle a host of other tasks and activities to help them learn more about the way our legal system operates.
This kind of 'behind the scenes' hands-on experience will serve the students well as they move into the day-to-day work of their legal careers. No matter where they all end up, this practical experience gives them a real world view of their chosen profession.
"It was awesome having you here and you really helped me out. It was like I had three volunteers in one! Keep up the wonderful work ethic and you will be a great success," said staff attorney Ona Sanders Dudonis, in response to an email of thanks from Columbia Law student, Lena Wong.
Here are some additional thoughts from the students ...
The Pro Bono Project is an incredibly welcoming organization. It was a great way for me to see how a public interest organization works and to get some hands on experience. Not only is everyone here friendly, but they are also more than willing to take the time out and assist you in learning skills that will be necessary in your legal career—from drafting affidavits and meeting clients to watching how clinics run. Even though our group was only going to be there for a short time, the organization seemed genuinely invested in our understanding of the legal processes that we were working on, and our own specific interests and personal growth. This was an overall great volunteer experience!
Halcyon Apy, J.D. Candidate, 2018
The George Washington University Law School
During my time at The Pro Bono Project, I was able to organize and respond to letters from inmates at various prisons in the area. Since I'm a law student interested in studying criminal law, this was a very interesting project for me to work on! I was also able to sit in on a bankruptcy clinic held for indigent clients. During the clinic I learned many new things about Bankruptcy Law. Overall, the week was a great, informative experience!
Erin Haney
American University Washington College of Law
It's always a pleasure to have law student from across the country visit with The Project. We know that while the hands-on experience is invaluable, the real benefit is the new realizations with which students leave. We know in that process, we are helping to create more compassionate lawyers with a better understanding of who they are as individuals.
Our thanks to the many law schools who continue to send students and support our mission.