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 thatsolidified my decision to go to law school. Once I got here I wanted to keep an open mind and not be pigeonholed since I am paying all this money in tuition. 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, such as helping individuals in their most vulnerable moments. There is a big gap between low-income New Yorkers and access to legal help. That opportunity motivated me to continue giving back to the community and to help close the gap. It's something I pushed myself to do, and it has gotten me this far, and I am excited and interested in the work and impact I will have with my law degree.
What valuable skills do you acquire as a LiveHelp Operator?
It has helped me to connect with people more by being able to help someone in real time and to listen to what they’re saying. That is not a skill commonly taught in law school. We’re trained to skim through and hear points, but LiveHelp teaches us how to do both, listen to the problems people are having while also connecting with them, because at the end of the day, they are humans. We can’t forget the fact that they are people who are going through difficult situations. 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. These are important skills for becoming an attorney because you can’t always just be quick. You need to be able to analyze problems and spot issues, but also connect with people. At the end of the day that is who we are helping, New Yorkers. I think LiveHelp does a really good job of helping me develop and manage both of those skills within a short 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, this program has also taught me about different areas of law. Having a wide range of experiences is important, and that is something I love about this program, being able to work in different areas that I wouldn't have deeply explored in law school. I get to listen and learn something new about Family Law or how to handle a domestic violence situation. It will help me become a well-rounded attorney in the future. There’s this misconception that low-income New Yorkers get neglected and that they can’t receive good help, but this program shows that there are people out here who care about them and want to get their issues resolved. The best thing is you don’t have to have a lot of money to do it. You can find information or an attorney who can point you in 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 you may struggle with imposter syndrome, wondering whether you can actually be helpful and assist people in solving 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 everyday people. You’ll be surprised by how much you know and how much you are able to learn. Volunteering is a fun experience and provides valuable life lessons. We are blessed to have this education and opportunity and it's important for us to give back. That is a principle that’s been instilled in me from my parents. I am a first-generation law student, and that principle was always emphasized, 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 help and they may not have as many resources as other well off New Yorkers. This work is important for us to do and the little bit that we can do, we should do to help one another. Because at the end of the day we can't take what we have and what we learned for granted. We should use it to uplift our community and New York at the same time.
Thank you, Simone!