Testimonials - Focus Groups and Interviews

In the Fall of 2000, we surveyed and conducted focus groups with practitioners participating in LSCP law school programs or Community Legal Resource Networks (CLRNs). Their testimonials provide a wealth of information about the value and benefit of these practitioner networks. 

And, in the Summer of 2002, we conducted individual interviews with some network members and their clients.

Law Schools:

CUNY - "Due to their collaboration with one another, they are able to take on cases in areas unfamiliar to them and, thereby, help people who are unable to afford a lawyer otherwise."

University of Maryland - "There was consensus among practitioner members of the Maryland Project that the network provides its members with a sense of collegiality that decreases the isolation of solo and small firm practice."

Northeastern University - "When asked what was best about being a member of the network, members stated that it has proved to be a successful vehicle for training and inspiring practitioners to engage in pro bono domestic violence work. "

Practitioners:

Butler - "It is very comforting to know that there are other capable and enthusiastic individuals out there able to help people in need."

Cano - "Without the network I might have had to defer my dream for five to 10 years while I got experience somewhere else. I would not have been able to go out on my own or to help this community right away."

Chambers - "Sometimes you just need someone to clear the cobwebs or just give you a little lead. When you are having trouble seeing the forest through the trees, you really need someone else to redirect you to what really matters."

Drew - "It was wonderful to know that there are younger lawyers interested in domestic violence work. It is important for us to know that there are lawyers behind us to continue doing this work."

Flamenbaum - "Because of the help I get from the practitioner network, I do not have to reinvent the wheel each time I do something new."

Flohr - "The biggest benefit of the network for me is it taught me how to run a business and even provided me with some clients."

Gill - "It facilitates a place where you can meet other lawyers and keep in touch. Although you are on your own, you are actually not alone."

Jordan - "I learned from other network practitioners that you can be a successful attorney and still be able to give back."

Meehan - "The network allows me to bounce ideas off of other members. Discussing the case law, facts and strategy with my network colleagues helps me think more clearly about the case."

Sessa - "It is great dealing with people who have a sense of social justice. You have more commonality in this network than you would in a general bar association."  

Toy - "Even though I am a solo, I feel as if I'm in a small firm," she says. "Being part of the practitioner network makes the practice of law very enjoyable."

Clients:

Dion - "[LSCP network lawyer Sessa] told us we would be more effective as a citizens' group. Our job was to convince the politicians to reject this proposal and we succeeded," says Dion. "We all greatly respected his judgement."

French - "Even though I did not have any up-front money, [LSCP network lawyer Chambers] was willing to take me on my word. That meant a great deal to me. A great deal!"

Gomez - "[LSCP network lawyer Meehan] is my angel. If I didn't find him I would have went against the INS without a lawyer. I just couldn't afford it."

Lee - "Toy researched my immigration questions and got back to me with answers very quickly."

Mendez - "As to the law, [LSCP network lawyer Flamenbaum] explained everything. I was never in the dark as to what was going on."

Smith - "[LSCP network lawyer Butler] never pushed me or said she would not represent me if I don't pay. Whether I could pay her or not never affected the quality of her work."

Taylor - "[LSCP network lawyer Gill] knew I was flat broke and worked with me. And he had a very reasonable fee."