What is your role at Pisgah Legal Services?
My first day at PLS was at the Montford Avenue office where we would drop documents from the second floor to the first on a string with a binder clip. I started out as a Domestic Violence Legal Assistant and have worked with the Domestic Violence Team ever since.
My role is to assist the attorneys I work for in preparing legal documents, speaking with clients, printing out photos and other evidence, for 50B Court and Family Court, as well as other duties associated with domestic violence clients.
I have worked helping with Immigration by scanning and making copies of documents to apply for Visas to USCIS. Currently I work with 2 other Legal Assistants doing administrative work for PLS.
How has Pisgah Legal changed in the last 15 years?
I have seen many changes over the past 15 years, but one thing has never changed: the passion and dedication of the staff to clients and the vision to provide justice for low-income clients to meet their basic needs and improve their lives.
PLS has extended the number of counties and clients served as well as tripled? in staff positions to assist clients over the years. A number of programs have been implemented and expanded to meet the needs of clients that did not exist when I started, i.e., ACA Health Insurance, Legal/Medical Partnership – Mahec, Community Education Development (CED), a website.
PLS has always looked for creative and innovative ways to reach more people and provide funds to be able to do it.
What inspires you to continue to work at PLS?
To be a part of helping people in trauma and seeing the results of clients obtaining justice in the courts who, without representation or advice, would otherwise be taken advantage of- is what motivates me on my job. I enjoy the people I work with–my co-workers are terrific—always ready to help in any way needed.