Legal Assistance Center Volunteer
Lindsey
Experience Information
Employer: Legal Assistance Center
Job Title: Volunteer
Major: Political Science
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
The Legal Assistance Center is a nonprofit legal self-help center that first opened in 2002. Since then, its goal has been to eliminate the justice gap, meaning that it aims to help those who are not able or willing to hire adequate legal help. The Legal Assistance Center helps over 18,000 people each year with legal issues regarding divorce, custody, landlord/tenant, small claims, and more.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
At the LAC, I was tasked with guiding people through legal processes by providing the proper paperwork needed for their case, explaining what was being asked of them on the paperwork, and describing how the court process works.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Through my experience at the LAC, I gained in-depth knowledge about the law and general court processes in Michigan. Since the experience is hands-on every day, I learned how to professionally interact with patrons while making them feel heard at the same time.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this internship was the constant learning every day. There is always a new situation that arises that requires some problem solving. I also loved to see the impact of the Legal Assistance Center's work in people's lives because it was so obviously real to the patrons.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has affirmed my choice to pursue a legal career in the future. I had always been learning towards this career path, but this internship gave me an even greater appreciation for helping others through the court system.