This month, we would like to highlight Simone, a LiveHelp Volunteer for LawHelpNY.
LiveHelp is our real-time online chat service, powered by dedicated volunteers, who guide users to self-help materials, legal aid organizations, and court information. Simone shares her story and recent experiences as a LiveHelp volunteer.
Please share a little about yourself and your journey through law school.
I’m a 3L at St. John's University and I've attended the City College of New York. I majored in political science and it solidified going to law school for me. Once I got here I wanted to keep an open mind and not be pigeonholed since I am paying all this money. I wanted to make sure I would have a wide range of experiences and knowledge because I believe in being a well rounded individual. I had the opportunity to volunteer for the Brooklyn Defender Services and got my first taste of pro bono work. It was very impactful for me because in law school we don't get to see the effects of what we’re doing in real time, helping individuals in their most vulnerable moments. It motivated me to continue to give back to the community. There is a big gap between low income New Yorkers getting access to legal help. It's something I pushed myself to do and it has gotten me this far and I am excited and interested about the work and impact I am going to do with my law degree.
What valuable skills do you acquire as a LiveHelp Operator?
It has helped me emphasize connection with people more by being able to help someone in real time and to listen to what they’re saying. That is not commonly taught in law school. We’re trained to skim through and hear points but LiveHelp teaches us how to do both. How to listen to the problems they’re having while also connecting with them because at the end of the day they're humans. We can’t forget the fact that they are people that are going through things and having a tough time. LiveHelp helps me balance the two by being able to understand how to help someone by listening and understanding while also connecting on a human level. They’re important skills for becoming an attorney because you can’t always just be quick. You need to be able to analyze problems and issue spots but also connect with people. At the end of the day that is who we are helping, New Yorkers and people. I think LiveHelp does a really good job at helping me develop and manage both those skills during a quick timeframe.
How has this experience shaped your personal and professional growth?
It’s kind of cliche but I came to law school because I wanted to help solve problems and I am happy I am able to do that. Professionally, I learned how to quickly listen and analyze situations so I can properly help. At the same time, it has also taught me about different areas of law. You should have a wide range of experiences and that is something I love about this program being able to work on different areas of law that I wouldn't have deep dived into in law school. I get to listen and learn something new about Family Law or a Domestic Violence situation. It will help me become a well rounded attorney in the future. There’s this lie that low income New Yorkers get neglected and that they can’t receive good help but this program shows there are people out here who care about them and want to get their problems solved. You don’t have to have enough money to do it. You can find information or an attorney who can push you into the right direction and help figure out whatever situation it is you’re going through. That's how this experience has shaped me personally and professionally.
What wisdom would you impart to those considering volunteering?
I would honestly say people should just volunteer. Just try it. It’s intimidating at first and feels like you’re struggling with imposter syndrome by trying to figure out can I actually be helpful and help people solve their problems. Law students and attorneys have been blessed with this education and it’s important for us to use it not just for corporations but for regular human beings. You’ll be surprised as to how much you know and how much you are able to learn. It’s a fun experience and good life lessons for you. We are blessed to have this education and opportunity and it's important for us to give back. It’s been instilled in me from my parents. I am a first generation law student and that was always a thing, to give back. Even if you are not interested in working with Public Interest Law, it’s still important to volunteer because there are a lot of New Yorkers who need the help and they may not have as many resources as other well paid New Yorkers. This work is important for us to do and the little bit that we can do we should do it and help one another out. Because at the end of day we can't take what we have and what we learn for granted. We should use it to boost the community and New York at the same time.
Thank you, Simone!