Eva Gardner is ALSC’s June Volunteer of the Month! Eva brings an incredible amount of compassion and dedication to her pro bono work, and we are honored to have her as a volunteer! Check out our interview with Eva below:

 Why did you choose to volunteer with ALSC?

It never occurred to me not to volunteer with ALSC! I’ve always been committed to public service, and once I became a lawyer, pro bono legal work just made sense. ALSC is an incredible resource—not only for pro bono cases, but also for mentorship and support. As a (fairly) new lawyer, it’s reassuring to know that ALSC has my back on every case they send my way.

What are some of your experiences at ALSC that have made a positive difference in the lives of others?

As an ALSC volunteer, I’ve worked on matters big and small—from filing an anti-discrimination lawsuit to answering questions on the Landlord/Tenant Helpline. While the big issues may seem more important, it’s the small ones that really impress me. The legal system is intimidating for the uninitiated, and it’s remarkable how much peace of mind you can provide to someone in a stressful situation with just five minutes of thoughtful and compassionate explanation.

How do you think your experiences with ALSC will benefit you in the future?

ALSC has exposed me to cases, issues, and wonderful clients I never would have encountered in private practice. I’ve learned a number of lessons along the way that have already proven invaluable—such as never underestimate a case, no matter how simple it looks.

What do you do when you are not volunteering with ALSC?

I work at Ashburn & Mason, where I focus on civil litigation and appeals. We see a fantastic mix of cases—recently, I even got to enjoy the view from counsel table at the U.S. Supreme Court! Work keeps me pretty busy, but I also find time for community involvement (like serving on the boards of Arctic Entries and the Anchorage Association of Women Lawyers). After hours in the winter, it’s rare to see me without my skis; and whenever I can in the summer, I get out hiking, biking, and running.