I’ve always had a strong interest in pro bono work. As an undergraduate, I volunteered with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles and at the Small Claims Court Advisory Program at the Los Angeles Superior Court. That early experience shaped my perspective on the impact legal help can have on people facing difficult circumstances. Now, as a corporate attorney, I continue to seek opportunities to use my legal skills to support those in need and make a positive contribution where possible.
- What prompted you to volunteer for CLA SoCal and how did you get started?
I found CLA SoCal while searching online for pro bono opportunities in the Orange County area. I was looking for a way to give back to the community I grew up in and saw this as a meaningful way to use my legal skills to make a difference. I also noticed a familiar name, Monica Mar, CLA SoCal’s Director of Pro Bono, who I had previously met through her work with UCLA Law’s Law Fellows program. I reached out to her, and since then, my firm has become regularly involved in CLA SoCal’s pro bono opportunities, particularly the Eviction Clinic.
- Can you tell me about your experience volunteering at CLA SoCal and specifically the Eviction Clinic? How is it a good fit for you?
Volunteering at CLA SoCal, specifically at the Eviction Clinic, has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a privilege to help tenants during such a vulnerable and often stressful time by offering legal support and guidance. I value the opportunity to listen carefully to clients, help them navigate their legal situations, and be a steady source of support when they may feel overwhelmed or unheard. While my role may be small in the broader picture, I hope that providing clear legal information and advocacy can offer some sense of stability during a difficult time. It’s also especially meaningful to provide legal services to underserved communities that might not otherwise have access to this kind of help.
- What do you personally get out of your pro bono service?
My pro bono work gives me the chance to connect directly with individuals in my community and offer support through my legal skills. I’ve also had the privilege of working alongside dedicated attorneys like Shaista Azad and passionate paralegals who are committed to this important mission. As a corporate attorney, I appreciate the opportunity to engage with litigation-focused aspects of the law, such as drafting answers and preparing demurrers, which I don’t often encounter in my day-to-day practice. It’s a challenging and fulfilling way to grow professionally while contributing to an important cause.
- Is there anything you’d like to add?
I would highly encourage other attorneys and law students to consider volunteering with CLA SoCal. It’s a great way to give back, strengthen your legal skills, and connect with a broader community of passionate professionals working to make legal support more accessible for everyone.
Michelle Le is an associate at Fenwick.
