ALSC’s November Volunteer of the Month is Jon Katcher! We are so thankful to have Jon as a longtime volunteer at ALSC. Through his pro bono work, Jon has never been afraid to take on a complex or challenging case. He always does what it takes to make sure his client’s voice is heard in the justice system, often resulting in remarkable, life-changing outcomes for ALSC clients. Read on for our interview with Jon about his time volunteering with ALSC:
Why did you choose to volunteer with ALSC?
I volunteer to do pro bono work for ALSC as a matter of public duty. It’s a privilege to have a license to practice law. With that privilege comes the responsibility to serve some of the ever growing number of citizens who cannot afford a lawyer. I also see pro bono service as in the interests of my paying clients. By representing clients who would otherwise be pro se I reduce the demands on the court that comes with pro se litigants. As a result the court has more time to address the cases of my paying clients.
What are some of your experiences at ALSC that have made a positive difference in the lives of others and/or the community?
I take great pride and satisfaction from protecting children and parents from domestic violence. In one case a child whom I helped went on to attend a Big 10 university. That continues to mean a great deal to me.
How do you think your experiences with ALSC will benefit you in the future?
Pro bono service keeps me involved in the real world with real people who have real problems that are very different from those of my regular clients. This can be both humbling and satisfying.
What do you do outside of your volunteer time with ALSC?
My other community service is as a member of the KNBA radio Community Advisory Board. As with my for pay litigation cases, I enjoy serving my pro bono clients while skiing at Mt. Alyeska. You can find me at the top of the mountain using my smart phone to confer with clients, read and respond to texts and emails, and appear telephonically before the court.
