“Early in my tenure with Colorado Legal Services, I worked with attorneys in the ID Unit on the Name Change Project.  Keeping data for the Afghan families burdened with “FNU” as a first name was an atypical problem; young children identified themselves with the incorrect name. Working with the families who assisted US soldiers on such an important issue remains a very meaningful time for me.”

“To put it simply, I failed retirement. Perhaps honoring my parents’ memory, I sought an avenue to provide some form of community service, and I reasoned that pro bono legal services would likely provide the most impact. It’s really gratifying anytime a former client reports success finding a new job (or any job) or a better place to live after having their criminal records sealed.”

“I choose to volunteer with CLS because it is a way to give back to my community while staying true to the reasons I became an attorney in the first place – to help people navigate difficult times. Working with CLS allows me to connect with individuals who might not otherwise have access to legal representation and that experience is both humbling and rewarding. It challenges me to think creatively and grow as a professional, while reminding me of the impact our work truly has. “

“My initial motivation to work for CLS in 2015 was based on the fact that I received an excellent state university law school education, essentially without cost. After forty years of mostly private law firm trial practice I wanted to repay that early educational generosity with public interest legal work. After I began work at CLS I was further inspired by the mentoring of my supervisors and colleagues who were committed to providing  high quality legal work to our clients.  I am grateful to have had the opportunity to do work that brought solutions to  complicated problems, and has given our clients a voice in their own outcomes.”

“I worked in Pueblo Legal Services from 1973-74 and Denver Legal Services from 1975-79. My service at those two orgs provided the most professional satisfaction I’ve ever had. I wanted to relive those experiences through volunteering.”

“I take pro bono law matters to help balance the legal field by empowering clients to defend their rights against an opponent. Employment law is complex, so free legal aid provides vulnerable or low-income workers the guidance they may not be unable to afford. Providing both legal and emotional support, I benefit by alleviating client stress and gaining confidence in a difficult process.”