MATILDE DAVIS | JUNE 11, 2018

June 10-16 is Georgia Paralegal Week – and Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation is thrilled to celebrate the volunteer paralegals who make such a difference in the lives of our clients.

Clients arrive at the Saturday Lawyer Clinic stressed out from having to deal with whatever legal situation brought them to the clinic, and from trying to find parking in the craziness of Atlanta’s downtown streets. They have hundreds of photos that they cannot get off their phone and various documents that outline their legal issue. This is where the paralegals step in and provide an invaluable service for AVLF.

We cannot overstate the importance of a paralegal being that first friendly face that the clients see on a Saturday – or how much patience it takes to scan, upload, and organize every little receipt, photo, and document. Paralegal volunteers do the work that makes it possible for the Saturday clinic to run smoothly. In addition to the assistance that they provide the clients, paralegal volunteers also help volunteer attorneys during client intake by taking notes and by assisting with case assessments.

During Georgia Paralegal Week, AVLF wants to take time to thank every paralegal who volunteered with us. Thank you for your passion for justice and your commitment to service.

Did you know that…

…73 paralegals volunteered with AVLF in 2017?

…paralegals commit over 600 hours to AVLF’s Saturday Lawyer Clinic every year?

…paralegals are now assisting attorneys in Saturday Lawyer Program cases through the Attorney-Legal Assistant Partnership?

The Attorney-Legal Assistant Partnership

Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation started a new program earlier this year – the Attorney-Legal Assistant Partnership (ALAP). ALAP was initiated to help our paralegal volunteers gain more legal experience while working closely with an attorney to provide clients with the best legal representation for their landlord-tenant and wage issues.

So far, we partnered attorneys and legal assistants on 25 Saturday Lawyer cases. AVLF had the opportunity to talk to an attorney and paralegal duo about how their partnership makes it easier for them to serve AVLF clients.

ALAP Q&A with Volunteer Attorney Darryl Davis

 

Q: Why did you want to be a part of ALAP?

A: As a solo practitioner, the ALAP program is a valuable legal resource. The ALAP program is an opportunity to offer a legal team to my AVLF clients.

Q: How has having a paralegal volunteer helped you with this case?

A:  The AVLF paralegal volunteer has allowed me to accept a larger AVLF caseload. Before the ALAP program started, I could only handle three or four cases annually. With a paralegal volunteer, I can now take on twice that number. The AVLF paralegal volunteer has also allowed me to assign workload which has significantly improved case resolution.

Q: Have you learned anything new since you started working together (i.e. new legal skills or how to work collaboratively)?

A: Yes, the AVLF paralegal volunteer has provided expertise in legal areas where I have limited experience.

Q: What do you appreciate so far about your experience through ALAP?

A: I appreciate AVLF developing and offering the ALAP program to solo practitioners like myself.  

Are you a paralegal or a paralegal student that wants to volunteer?

Here are ways that you can volunteer with AVLF:

• Attend a Saturday Lawyer clinic, where you meet other legal professionals and assist clients with their housing and wage issues.
• After you attend a Saturday Lawyer clinic, sign up for the Attorney-Legal Assistant Partnership to gain even more skills while assisting a volunteer attorney.

Become one of AVLF’s Community Outreach Volunteers. AVLF sponsors various community events throughout the year. This is one of the best ways to see the communities that we help while interacting with residents.

Ready to volunteer? Contact Volunteer Engagement Manager Matilde Davis. We would love to have your support. 

Matilde Davis

Volunteer Engagement Manager

Check out more from this author. 

Matilde Davis is the Volunteer Engagement Manager for AVLF’s Safe and Stable Homes Project.

Originally from Gary, Indiana, Matilde moved to Atlanta to attend Emory University. She received her B.A. in African American Studies and Women Studies in 2009. After graduation, Matilde worked for five years with an asset management company that sells and maintains the integrity of government-owned properties. She is passionate about helping her community while working for a great organization. In her free time, Matilde likes to kickbox, read, and bake healthy treats.