Some law students are stepping in to provide a much-needed lifeline in the face of towering legal challenges. At the University of Akron School of Law, students like Natalie Gottfried have devoted countless hours to support those tangled in legal issues due to past transgressions. Gottfried, in particular, has been recognized alongside 48 other new attorneys by the Ohio Supreme Court and the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation for contributing over 150 hours of pro bono legal services, as reported by Court News Ohio. Their pro bono work spans from helping individuals apply for job eligibility certificates to aiding asylum seekers.
Kaela Orrell, a Case Western Reserve University School of Law graduate, is another such student. According to Court News Ohio, she has generously given her time in helping asylum seekers unravel the complexities of legal forms and applications. Orrell’s journey, beginning with her adoption from China, has steered her into the sphere of immigration law. After a pivotal internship with Catholic Charities in Cleveland, she has continued her work with the organization as an OAJF fellow, representing children in immigration proceedings. The impact of her pro bono work rings clear, as it aids not only those in desperate need of legal assistance but also enriches her practical skills and understanding of the legal landscape.
Pro bono efforts by students like Gottfried and Orrell reveal the stark disparities low-income households face regarding legal representation. The American Bar Association recommends a 50-hour annual commitment from practicing attorneys to pro bono aid to bridge the service gap, underscored by Sophia Chang, OAJF’s pro bono director. She highlights the essential support students provide working attorneys, whether in researching an individual's criminal history or streamlining paperwork that could otherwise consume an attorney's precious time. Chang's observations resonate with the benefits of pro bono work to various facets of the legal system.
It is not merely about fulfilling hours or gaining accolades. As Gottfried expressed in a statement to Court News Ohio, these students are acutely aware of the profound difference they can make. "There were so many people who [came to the clinic and] just wanted to make a better life for themselves," Gottfried said. "We really need to use this privilege to help those around us. Everyone deserves justice and fairness, no matter who they are or what their income is." By taking the initiative, these student lawyers embody the spirit of community support, laying a foundation for a career rooted in service and equity.
