This month, we would like to highlight Bryant, a LiveHelp Volunteer for LawHelpNY.
LawHelpNY.org helps underpaid New Yorkers solve their legal problems. Our real-time online chat service, powered by dedicated volunteers, helps guide users to self-help materials, legal aid organizations, and court information. Bryant shares his story and recent experiences as a LiveHelp volunteer.
Please share a little about yourself and your journey through law school.
I am currently in my third year at Columbia Law School. As a child of immigrant parents, I saw firsthand how my parents struggled to navigate the legal system back home in Canada. It fueled my passion for law and I became further interested in law during college after taking several law-related courses. It inspired me to apply to law school. At Columbia, I have been involved in the APALSA (Asian Pacific American Law Students Association) and served as treasurer during my second year. I am also a senior editor for the Columbia Law Review.
What valuable skills do you acquire as a LiveHelp Operator?
The valuable skills I obtained are patience and empathy for people's problems. As a law student I feel like I have acquired foundational knowledge in different areas of the law but sort of recognizing that not everyone has that background knowledge and just being patient and empathetic in explaining how to navigate the court systems and different community resources for legal help.
How has this experience shaped your personal and professional growth?
This experience has significantly shaped both my personal and professional growth by deepening my awareness of those who need assistance navigating the legal system. It also opened my eyes to the wide range of community resources available. I have come to better understand the important role law students and legal professionals play in bridging the gap between individuals in need and the abundance of resources that exist to support them.
What wisdom would you impart to those considering volunteering?
I would urge them to apply, as this is a wonderful opportunity. In law school you learn a lot about different legal areas in the classroom and this experience has complemented that learning. It gave me the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills developed so far in a real world setting, while also helping people in our community. Being able to directly interact with individuals facing everyday legal problems has helped me better understand the law and not only deepens my understanding of the law but also reminded me why I chose to study it in the first place.
Thank you, Bryant!