Continuing our Volunteer Voices appreciation series, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice spotlights Deana Davis, an associate with Walsh Pizzi O’Reilly Falanga LLP. Deana had this to say on why she harnesses the power of pro bono with VLJ:
“I volunteer with VLJ because it is important for me to give back to my community. I volunteered as a museum tour guide while in high school and undergrad, and after my first year of law school I interned with Legal Assistance of Western NY, Inc.; these experiences showed me how necessary and fulfilling it is to help others, whether by sharing my knowledge of history or skills gained as a lawyer.
Justice is at the core of our understanding of society, and while it should be available to all, there is a knowledge and financial gap that must be overcome. By volunteering with VLJ, I can assist in facilitating access to justice to as many people as possible.
I recently took on my first case with VLJ and am looking forward to learning as much as I can about different legal processes, growing as a lawyer, and getting to know my colleagues in the VLJ community.
I had previously only assisted with one session of the VLJ Tenancy Clinic and was initially hesitant to take on a VLJ case by myself not knowing all the law or the steps of a pro bono case. While still wanting to be more involved, I received an email from VLJ asking for expungement volunteers and felt that now is as good a time as any to begin learning and helping others access the resources and justice they might have difficulty receiving otherwise.”
Thank you, Deana, for using your time and talent to change lives!
Motivated by Deana to volunteer? Then contact Emerald Sheay at esheay@vljnj.org or visit vljnj.org/why-probono to get started.