Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s Post

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” ~ African Proverb Your community and connections can make all the difference in whether or not you thrive - especially in business. Year after year, feedback from our member lawyers in these incubator programs reinforces this fact. It is something we all innately know but sometimes forget in the frantic pace of daily life. As the former director of 2 legal incubators, I believe in the tremendous value these programs offer. And even though I do not presently run a legal incubator, I am passionate about getting the word out to ANYONE and EVERYONE who can benefit from them. “Why?” you ask. For two reasons, really… 1.  These programs teach the lawyers who are in the trenches working to serve the millions of middle-class, everyday people who fall into the access to justice gap. And 2. It is lonely out there as a solo lawyer. If I had a community like the ones these programs foster, I might still be a practicing lawyer. Lawyers need programs like these, and our communities NEED lawyers like the ones in these programs. Check out the upcoming application deadlines below. These opportunities are in OH, NV, TX, IL, or CA; if you have questions about programs for lawyers licensed in other states, please reach out to me. If you know a #Lawyer who is looking to launch a new law firm and thrive, please share. Help us get the word out! Cleveland Legal Collaborative, a program of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, led by the incredible Chavone Taylor Nash, accepts priority apps through February 12 at https://lnkd.in/gcgFBxrc  (must be an OH attorney). State Bar of Nevada Handle|BAR Incubator Program accepts apps through March 1 at https://lnkd.in/gswsscST (must be a NV attorney) Texas Apprenticeship Network accepts apps through March 5 at https://lnkd.in/gKnZQbCQ (must be a Texas A&M University School of Law student and graduate) Texas Opportunity & Justice Incubator (TOJI), a program of the State Bar of Texas accepts apps through March 11 at https://lnkd.in/gebS_ruK  (must be a TX attorney) CBF Justice Entrepreneurs Project (JEP), a program of The Chicago Bar Foundation accepts apps until April 5 at https://lnkd.in/gdafnhqz (must be an IL attorney) BALI │ Bay Area Legal Incubator, a program of the Alameda County Bar Association accepts apps on a rolling basis at https://lnkd.in/gH-9Ta6x (must be a CA attorney) And finally… California Western School of Law’s Access to Law Initiative accepts apps on a rolling basis at https://lnkd.in/g626mdFr (CA attorneys and California Western graduates preferred)

It should be an enormous red flag 🚩 if a judge doesn’t want their chambers culture and work environment to be known to #clerkship applicants, I discussed with Sarah Cottrell, JD, CCMC on Former Lawyer LLC Podcast. It was a pleasure returning to the podcast to update listeners on the incredible progress The Legal Accountability Project has made since my first visit, right around the time of LAP’s launch! As I shared with Sarah, a lot has changed since then: ✨️I’m much more in the “former lawyer” camp now than I was 2 yrs ago. I doubt I'll practice law again, but I do use my JD in my daily work. ✨️The Centralized Clerkships Database that LAP conceptualized is now a working product that we’re launching this month for the first cohort of student users. ✨️LAP has created larger cultural change on #lawschool campuses, in the #judiciary, and in the #legalprofession generally. Sarah and I also discussed pushback LAP has encountered from some in positions of power, who are resistant to or threatened by change. #Disruptive change is not intended to make people comfortable. And the institutions LAP works to change - legal academia and the #judiciary - are both notoriously slow to change, and in desperate need of reform. Yet I am more optimistic than ever that positive change is here. It’s happening right now on #lawschool campuses nationwide, in state and federal #courts, and in law firms and at other legal employers. Sarah and I also discussed some action items. Listeners galvanized by this episode and LAP’s work generally can: fill out LAP’s post-clerkship survey if you clerked (and encourage others in your network to do the same); donate; share info about our Clerkships Database with students considering #clerkships; and encourage your #lawschool alma mater to participate in LAP’s Clerkships Database. Whether you clerked or not, whether you're a lawyer or a Former Lawyer, everyone can and should be part of the solution. #clerkships #judicialaccountability #transparency #empowerment #legalprofession

You can do more than you think you can. When I first embarked on my journey into law, it was driven by sheer curiosity rather than a deep-seated urge to help others. Over the years, I’ve encountered many inspiring peers who entered this field with a heartfelt mission to make a difference. Now, years later, I find myself working alongside 10 dedicated in-house community lawyers, about 40 passionate colleagues at Pro Bono SG, and thousands of volunteers—lawyers, students, and community members—all committed to supporting those in greatest need. Nobody navigates life entirely on their own; everyone needs help and support from others. Even if your initial inspiration for pursuing your goals was different, if you’ve seen injustice and had the desire to help, don’t dismiss that feeling. There are countless ways to create change and make a difference. Your desire to help matters, and every action, no matter how small, can lead to something truly significant. Discover the heart of our team's mission at Pro Bono SG by diving into this insightful feature: https://lnkd.in/gJVMdP_g and to explore how you can be a part of this transformative journey, visit us at https://www.probono.sg/. Your chance to make a difference starts here. #StartWhereYouAre #UseWhatYouHave #DoWhatYouCan

A positive reputation within your community is important for your law firm. More in our blog on how your firm can build one.

MY FIRST LINKEDIN POST ❤️🌟 Hi LinkedIn!, My name is Oyeleke Oluwademilade, a 300 level law student. I've been wanting to make this post for a very long time, but I haven't been able to summon the courage until now. The time has finally come, it's a new month, it's also time to try new things. Feeling excited about my courage to start sharing my journey with you guys and I'm also excited to join this platform where i get to connect with professionals in law related fields and other sectors. I am passionate about advocacy, protecting the rights of the accused and advocating for victims. I also have passion for justice, I believe everybody is entitled to fairness and justice in every legal system, justice shouldn't be delayed or denied, it is an entitlement. I look forward to build relationship with people and learn from this community. My Journey In the university: After attempts of trying to get into the university, I finally got in and I struggled to adapt to my new style of living, it was like I was already a family man that now takes care of himself, nobody to cook for me, nobody to wake me up so i can go to school early, nobody to wake me up incase i don't wake up when my alarm rings. I started taking responsibility for myself which helped me because I'm now used to it, it's no longer like a challenge to me anymore. I can confidently call myself a MAN!!! I got to the university, I met friends who are now like family to me. I had so many experience from my first year to my second year and now I'm in my third year. I participated in my Chambers Moot competition "Justice Chambers" and I was the best counsel for my team, I'm so proud of myself for that!!! I learnt a lot about mooting and it was such a sweet experience all thanks to my coach. I'm willing to learn more and grow in advocacy. In my 2nd year in the university I decided to run for my first election for a seat as an honourable in the Student's Representative Council and guess what guys!!? I won!!! All thanks to everybody that believed in me and trusted me to be capable to hold the position. I'm excited to join the LinkedIn community! I'm all about personal growth and collaboration and can't wait to connect with like-minded professionals and learning from their experience. I'll be sharing my growth journey, lessons learnt and other insights with this community. Let's connect, let's grow together and let's learn from each other!!!

We are excited to host Savannah Allessandra Cozzi this Saturday, 25 May 2024. 🥂 Savannah is an Attorney and an Executive Director at the Education Outreach Foundation, a Nonprofit Organisation. She previously completed her articles at Webber Wentzel and later became an Associate in the Public Law Department.💫 Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from Savannah’s experience and ask your burning questions. Prepare to be inspired and take your career to the next level!🚀 Comment “Masterclass” to receive the link📌 #lawcareer #legalprofession #careeradvice #aspiringlawyers #lawfirm #networking #studentsuccess #mentorship

Growing up on the gritty streets of Chicago, the challenges I faced weren't just part of life; they defined it. In a neighborhood where hardship was the norm, I found my calling amidst the chaos - the pursuit of justice. This is not just a personal statement; it's a testament to resilience, tenacity, and the transformative power of education. Born into adversity, I witnessed the struggles of my community daily. Yet, rather than succumbing to despair, my experiences fueled an unyielding determination to effect change. The courtroom, I realized, could be my battleground for justice. Navigating the labyrinth of adversity wasn't easy. Violence, poverty, and systemic issues were omnipresent. These hardships became my classroom, teaching me the value of perseverance and the urgency of social reform. Against all odds, education became my lifeline. Every textbook, every lecture was a step away from the harsh realities of my upbringing. It was in those classrooms that I found the power to challenge and transform the narrative of my life. A turning point came when I witnessed a friend unjustly entangled in the legal system. The scales of justice seemed skewed, favoring those with resources. This ignited a fire within me - a passion to break down barriers, ensuring everyone, regardless of background, had access to fair representation. Engaging with community organizations, I spearheaded initiatives addressing legal education gaps. From organizing workshops on basic legal rights to creating mentorship programs, my aim was to empower my community with knowledge, the most potent tool for change. Law, to me, is more than a profession; it's a vessel for change. It's about dismantling the systemic barriers that perpetuate cycles of injustice. I aspire to be the advocate my community needs, bridging the gap between the legal system and those who have long felt excluded. My journey from the streets of Chicago to law school is a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering spirit that arises from hardship. I carry with me the voices of those who, like me, yearn for justice. In law school, I don't just seek knowledge; I seek the tools to reshape the narrative marginalized communities, to be a force for justice, equity, and change. In choosing me, you're not just admitting a student; you're welcoming an advocate, a voice for the voiceless, and a testament to the resilience that education can instill. 🌟Carl Shawn Watkins 🌟 #lawyerstories #journey #inspiration #chicago

Happy Thursday to our community, we're nearly at Friday! To brighten your day today, we're introducing you to Nicola Ablitt AIWFM, a career-changer to law and Law Student at University of Cumbria 🤗 Nicola's piece of inspiring advice to fellow women in law is: "My piece of advice is to those considering a change of career and worrying it's too late or you are too old. I see my years lived as an advantage, I have lots of experience and resilience to draw upon to help me navigate a new career and support others along the way. It is never too late to pursue your dreams, especially when the world we live in sees us now working much longer before retirement. I couldn't think of anything worse than looking back and regretting not taking the opportunity to go for it. We only have one life and we need to make it count! I feel really proud to demonstrate to my children it is never too late to study and reach for your goals." Read more about Nicola's change of career to law and what she hopes for her future legal career 💫 #womeinlaw #lawstudent #careerchanger #inspiring #legalcareer

Above all else, be kind. This team has taught me so much about the power of kindness and it’s positive correlation with business wins. It is fallacious that to be a good lawyer (not least, a good litigator), one needs to be consistently aggressive and prioritise thinking over feeling. Some of the best litigators I know have shown me that in as much as we are required to be competitive, perfectionist and ofttimes aggressive, we can still show kindness and lead with respect. These behaviours are not - and shouldn’t be - mutually exclusive. Today we celebrated the departure of our three superstar CAs: Ntsako Mabuza, Justine Subramoney and Anathi Xaba - and welcomed our new CAs: Sivuselele Manzini (who we already know to be a superstar, having worked together last year through some of the toughest months of our careers) and Sakhile Ngobe. We also shared our celebrations with former Social Impact CA, Luthando Dlamini and Kris-Andre Smith, who joins us from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, on a three month public interest learnership programme. As lawyers, we spend most of our adult lives with our colleagues - often skipping out on family events, holidays and other social activities - the very least we can do is be kind to one another, and that is what I will continue to do. #NRF #SocialImpact #PublicInterestLaw #HumanRights #Litigation

Hi friends! Gather 'round for a tale that’s part comedy, part inspiration, and 100% true. Picture this: Fresh out of Musingu High School, I marched up to my Dad and declared, "I want to be a cop and a prosecutor like Ocampo!" Yep, you heard that right. Career number 1 in the bag! But hold that thought—it’s going to get interesting when we discuss careers number 2, 3, and now 4. Dad, being the wise man he is, advised, “Why don’t you study law first? Then you can join the police service as a cop who knows the law.” Brilliant, right? So, in 2011, I joined Mount Kenya University Law School as it offered a trimester program, allowing me to finish school faster than the usual two-semester system most universities had. Little did I know, my dreams were about to take a wild turn. So I join law school and signed up for the moot court club, where I suddenly saw myself as the next Harvey Specter from "Suits". My cop dreams started to fade. I even became a student leader, serving as the sports secretary for a year. Now, thinking back, maybe I could have made an awesome Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Anyone? No? Okay, moving on. Campus life required some hustle, so I started selling smokies and hot dogs. Let me tell you, the smokie business was booming! Career number 2: entrepreneur extraordinaire. The money was so good it almost derailed my education. But alas, the business failed spectacularly. Hahaha! No success story here, but valuable lessons were learned, and the seed of entrepreneurship was planted. I took a detour and joined the Kenya School of Law, aiming to become an advocate. Career number 3: Wakili! By this point, the cop dream was long gone. But hey, imagine if I had been a cop who knew the law during the recent protests. I would be a Gen Z hero! So I clear my course work at Kenya School of Law in 2017 and joined Ashitiva Advocates LLP as a pupil, dreaming of making partner. As they say, "Man plans, and God laughs." I moved to Mosioma & Co. Advocates, still aiming for partnership, and then to MAK & Partners Advocates LLP, where I reunited with former colleagues from Ashitiva. It felt like home, but something was still calling me. Maybe it was my master’s degree nudging me towards diplomacy, but no, it was something more profound. I realized my true calling and purpose was to build a legacy project, and that project is Hansen Advocates. The present future career number 4. Starting my own practice feels like the dream that was long overdue. To inspire someone out there: 1.   Focus and trust the process. Keep working, whether it's hard or smart. Something will eventually give. You must not figure it all at ones, in the “confusion at work” therein lies an answer 2.   You'll never feel ready to step up to your calling because the current you isn't ready for who you should become. Don't play for positions; they change. Callings are covered in purpose. 3.   It's scary, right? Do it scared. Welcome to Hansen Advocates—One Vision, One Firm!