Diana Clarkson has been volunteering at VLSP’s Family Law Clinic since she was admitted to the bar six years ago.
“What I like most about practicing law is the interaction with other people,” she explained when talking about her involvement in this year’s Campaign for Justice. “Whether it’s working with a client to find the most efficient solution to whatever problem they are currently facing, or negotiating a transaction with opposing counsel, learning to work with different types of people in both collaborative and hostile situations is what I like most.”
“Working with clients at VLSP is an entirely different type of interaction, mainly because it is so personal,” she noted, contrasting her pro bono efforts to her role as a tax associate at Harter Secrest & Emery. “VLSP provided my first opportunity to develop my skills interacting with clients and it is an excellent reminder of the importance of personal face-to-face contact.”
Brendon Fleming, about five years into his legal career and newly returned to Rochester, chimed in with a similar view. “My most rewarding cases have been those where I can help an individual, group, or organization fix an otherwise intractable problem. CFJ and the organizations it supports helps Rochester-area residents receive problem-solving legal services. A case that is a routine matter for an attorney could be life-defining for the client.”
“Access to justice is a critical issue for many Rochester-area residents, and these organizations [VLSP, LawNY, and Legal Aid Society] help fill the justice gap for those who cannot afford counsel,” Fleming continued. “Our firm [Ward Greenberg] is a big supporter of pro bono work. I maintain an active pro bono practice focused on civil rights and constitutional litigation.”
“I love helping people in a time of need and personal turmoil,” added Christian Valentino, another attorney involved in the Law Firm Challenge portion of the Campaign for Justice. “I am a firm believer that every individual in our country should have access to our country’s legal system.”