Thank you to LawHelpNY LiveHelp Operator, Trevor Stankiewicz. Trevor is a third-year law student at University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and has been volunteering as a LiveHelp Operator since Fall 2021. He has already served over 300 hours – above and beyond the minimum 50-hour commitment we ask of volunteer LiveHelp Operators!
In an interview with New York Justice Initiatives Community Support Associate, Dennis Brink, Trevor shared his thoughts about what drew him to volunteer as a LiveHelpOperator and why he has continued throughout law school.
Why Volunteer as a LiveHelp Operator?
Trevor originally heard about the opportunity to volunteer with LiveHelp through an email blast listing pro bono opportunities from his law school’s Toll Public Interest Center. He knew that he wanted the opportunity to give back during law school, and the LiveHelp program ended up providing not only a convenient method to volunteer, but also a refreshing break from his usual workload. He enjoyed his shifts so much, that he just continued!
Having the opportunity to chat with people in the midst of legal troubles, hearing their individual stories, and then being able to help them gain access to the legal resources are what have kept Trevor coming back online as a LiveHelp Operator. Additionally, seeing the community of his Penn Law colleagues, as well as other law student and attorney volunteers, online helping as well has added to his volunteer experience.
“Twice a week I'm able to interact directly with [people with legal needs] and feel like I’m actually making a tangible difference in somebody's life.”
What Skills Do You Gain as a LiveHelp Operator?
Trevor shared that he would not have been surprised if LiveHelp Operator Training focused solely on issue-spotting, but enjoyed how training also placed emphasis on how to have a conversation with a person in the middle of a legal problem. Additionally, the tasks of handling multiple chats and researching various areas of law have taught Trevor to mutil-task more efficiently, improve critical thinking skills and learn more about new areas of the law.
“I loved how in the orientation for LawHelpNY, the emphasis is not only responding to the legal question but on empathizing as well.”
How Has Working as a LiveHelp Operator Impacted You?
“One of the biggest things that has stuck with me is just the people that come to the site are really appreciative of the work that the site is doing. ...And to be a small part of that has been just really affirming of all the kind of things I hope to do after law school as well.”
What Advice Would You Give to Prospective Volunteers?
“You will change in a meaningful way for the better.”
Trevor hopes to continue doing pro bono work throughout his legal career and plans to work in the fields of climate change and refugee rights after graduation.
Thank you, Trevor!