We are happy to have Liz Leduc as our April Volunteer of the Month! Liz is an Assistant Public Defender in Kenai who has a long history with ALSC.  In 2008, Liz was the ALSC staff attorney who re-established the Kenai office after a long dormancy due to funding limitations.  Liz is now an avid ALSC volunteer and also serves as an alternate ALSC Board Member for the 3rd Judicial District.  Check out our interview with Liz below:

Why did you choose to volunteer with ALSC?

I have been volunteering for legal service organizations since I was in law school.  There are so many people in our community who need just a little bit of help to resolve issues having major impacts in their lives, but can’t afford it.  Being able to provide that assistance that can make a difference in someone’s life is so rewarding. From a broader standpoint, access to civil legal services is an important social justice issue that I believe we as attorneys need to support in whatever way we can.  

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

I have worked directly with clients on pro bono cases, but for the past few years I have mostly presented legal clinics on a variety of topics — housing, family law, elder law, etc.  One time I did a landlord-tenant clinic, expecting mostly tenants to attend. To my surprise, the attendees were ALL landlords! At first I wasn’t sure what to make of this, but I quickly realized how important it is to make sure landlords know the law too, to make sure they are treating their tenants fairly.  

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

I really enjoy the connections I’ve made by volunteering for ALSC.  I have gotten to know the librarians who help me organize clinics at the local libraries, the folks at various social service organizations and the local tribe, etc.  It really makes me feel like part of a bigger community.

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

I am a proud mama to the best little girl in the world!