From the time I was admitted to the bar (State Bar of Texas and not the one down the street) seven years ago, I thought it was important to use my legal background to give back to the community. One way I do that is by serving as a volunteer attorney at a monthly legal aid clinic. My responsibility at the clinic is to meet with applicants and discuss their legal issues so I can pass that information back to the good folks at Legal Aid to determine whether they can help them. In the course of my participation in the clinics, I've heard many stories of sadness and even tragedy, however the story that sticks out first and foremost in my mind comes from the night I first volunteered.
As I wrapped up my volunteer work for the evening, I bid everyone farewell and started walking to my car. Along the way I passed a man smoking a cigarette and lurking around in the parking lot. As I walked by, he asked whether I was an attorney. While a mature, seasoned attorney would have said no and continued on their merry way or maybe not even answered him at all, I was a baby attorney and proud to announce that, yes, I was in fact an attorney. (cue the Superman theme music) From the moment I responded affirmatively, I regretted it. Here's how the conversation went:
Man: "Well, you see I have this felony child abuse charge pending against me..."
Me: "Whoa, whoa, whoa, I don't practice criminal law." (Attempt to exit stage right)
Man: "Anyway, I need an attorney. It's all a bogus charge. The only reason I dropped the baby is because the police drew their guns and told me to put my hands in the air."
Me: "I have to go NOW." (Exit stage right at brisk pace)
Even years later when I think about that brief conversation, I wonder how a man could say such words and not express some concern about what his life had become or regret for his actions. He wasn't denying he dropped the baby. He wasn't denying the police found reason to pull their guns on him. His only complaint was that it was essentially the fault of the police for his misfortune. I mean there are so many things wrong with his story that I don't even know where to begin. I've often reflected on this moment and hoped that the baby was not seriously injured and that he/she is now a happy, healthy 7-year-old in a safe and stable home without this man in his/her life.
Before this encounter ever took place, I had already notified the courts that I was willing to be appointed to represent children in Child Protective Services cases. These are children who need legal representation because they have been removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect. While it can be difficult and emotionally draining work, it is also some of the most rewarding work I do. In the end when the case is completed, unfortunately, you are often left wondering what happens to these children when they are no longer in the legal system.
What I don't wonder is how thankful I am for my life and the people in it. Encounters like the one with this person at the legal clinic and my work with abused and neglected children make me appreciate everything that I have and my wonderful friends and family who fill my life with joy. I endeavor to share my joy with others by volunteering as often as I can. While I cannot end someone's sorrow or erase the wrongs that have been committed against a child, I hope I can help in some small way that leaves the person with a sense of hope for a better future.
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