My Eyes Were Opened - One Pro Bono Attorney's Story
You might think that, for a solo practitioner, it’s not such a great idea to take on pro bono assignments while trying to build a business that actually turns a profit. But I can honestly say that pro bono work, at least the work I have done with the Immigration Representation Project (IRP) of LSNJ, has provided me with immense satisfaction and a rare chance to learn a new area of law.
Diving Right In
Earlier this year, I took an ICLE class on immigration law and it was just by luck that I stumbled upon the opportunity to work with LSNJ, representing clients facing removal from the United States.
I was assigned two clients, both of whom were facing removal. It was difficult, not only because immigration practice is a very technical area of law, but also because it was very different from the civil litigation that I do in my own practice. But I dove in, read all the materials made available to me from LSNJ, studied the forms, met with my clients and their families and did my best.
My clients had been in this country for many years, established lives, raised families and made connections here. My job was to help them navigate the immigration legal system and determine whether they could stay. The pressure was real.
One of my client's cases is pending and is scheduled for an individual hearing later this year. My other client, who was incarcerated on an immigration detainer without bail, had a difficult choice to make. My investigation of his case revealed some questionable events in his records and a criminal history which precluded him from staying in the country. I met with him and his family to explain the situation openly and honestly and to advise him of what his options were, however few.
In the end, he took a voluntary departure and went back to his country in Africa, a good choice should he want to try to come back to the U.S. sometime in the future. After arriving in Africa safely, he took the time to write me a note expressing his appreciation for my hard work. I was touched; here this family was split apart but he did not hold it against me. He expressed his gratitude that I took the time to really try to help.
Frustrations and Challenges
Pro bono work, as I have learned, is not all about the happy ending and it can be extremely frustrating to take on pro bono cases. The hours are long, the cases often complicated and the clients you get are people who are often ignored by the system. Once they have a captive audience in you as their attorney, they depend on you; they look to you to save their lives, their homes, and their families.
My eyes were opened to the reality that, when people cannot afford legal representation, they can get excluded, be denied access to the legal system, and remain in the dark about their rights. This is the compelling reality that makes a pro bono program all the more crucial.
In our busy lives, with our hectic schedules and the demands of our families and other obligations, it is easy to come up with excuses as to why we are unable to carve out some time to help those in need. But I'm telling you from experience, you would be surprised at the kind of time you can find if you look for it, if you believe that helping others and providing access to justice is important for society as a whole. And that can often feel more satisfying than a huge legal fee (well, okay, almost as satisfying). I will continue to perform pro bono work for the people of New Jersey, and I am proud to do so. I hope my experience inspires others to take on pro bono work as well.
Scott D. Grossman, Esq.
This article appeared in the Spring 2007 edition of For the Public Good.