Robert Siemer is a creative legal professional with a broad understanding and experience in hospital operations and legal healthcare issues. Robert holds an AA and a BS (pharmacy), a MS (pharmacy administration), and a JD. He spent five years working in pharmacy, 34 years as general counsel at a 5-hospital, non-profit, health system, and five years as an adjunct professor at California State University, Long Beach.
- What prompted you to volunteer for CLA SoCal and how did you get started?
Retired and searching for ways to use my profession, I found that Community Legal Aid SoCal had a health section. Health Unit supervising attorney Sara Lee and director of pro bono Monica Mar interviewed me and worked out how I could be of assistance. We negotiated time as the level of participation to best use my skill.
- Can you tell me about your experience volunteering at CLA SoCal and specifically the Eviction Clinic? How is it a good fit for you?
The fit is easy; my service is related to my history. The experience is much more interesting in that it involves research and drafting. Sara identifies the legal problem and we brainstorm the issues and solutions. I get to develop and document the viability of our position. Sara’s administrative law experience nicely syncs with my lack thereof.
- What do you personally get out of your pro bono service?
The solutions we achieve benefit individuals. It’s rewarding to me that we are actually righting wrongs, negligent as well as intentional. Personally I enjoy the challenge of finding solutions and the broadening of my experience. More self-regarding is the bar’s dues waiver and CLA SoCal provided CLE.
- Is there anything you’d like to add?
Thoughtfully crafted, the pro bono experience can be the best part of practicing law.
