ALSC’s October Volunteers of the Month are Logan Miller and Maddy Bullard! It was a pleasure getting to know Logan and Maddy during their time at ALSC, and to witness their determination, diligence and devotion to helping our clients. Read on for our interview with Logan and Maddy about volunteering with ALSC:
Why did you choose to volunteer with ALSC?
Logan: I chose to volunteer with ALSC because I enjoy helping my community, and because I am interested in learning more about the legal field as I consider applying to law school.
Maddy: I wanted to spend more time in direct services, and sought an internship opportunity that would give me exposure to a variety of different areas of civil law—and that’s exactly what I got. I learned an immense amount in my weeks working with ALSC.
What are some of your experiences at ALSC that have made a positive difference in the lives of others and/or the community?
Logan: I have enjoyed helping clients navigate challenges associated with debt, foreclosure and disability issues. Positive experiences have included connecting people to helpful information and/or resources, and assisting attorneys as they prepare to advocate on the behalf of clients.
Maddy: I was able to assist on a number of cases that directly impacted clients’ daily lives, which felt awesome. From helping a client fill out a will questionnaire with the help of a Yu’pik interpreter, to drafting and filing pro se paperwork for a client in a custody matter, it was clear that my work mattered to the clients I was helping.
How do you think your experiences with ALSC will benefit you in the future?
Logan: My time with ALSC has helped me understand the specific needs and struggles of many disadvantaged individuals in our community, and has provided experience that will help me begin addressing those. Working with the amazing staff at ALSC has continuously inspired and challenged me to continue working for the good of the community, and to look for innovative ways to do this.
Maddy: I plan to become a public defender, and I think my time at ALSC will prove invaluable because it has made concrete the realities of collateral consequences that individuals accused of crimes face. This experience will heighten my sensitivity and awareness of those issues moving forward as I enter criminal practice. My work with ALSC also brought home just how difficult the legal system is for non-lawyers (even law students like myself!) to navigate—which, again, is something I don’t want to lose sight of even as I become more familiar with its inner workings.
What did you do over the summer outside of your time with ALSC?
Logan: I enjoy walking and rollerblading around Anchorage, reading, and making sushi rolls.
Maddy: This summer was my first time ever visiting Alaska, and I had such a fantastic time! Not only is it one of the most naturally beautiful places I’ve ever had the pleasure of living, but it’s also such an interesting mix of people from all different walks of life, with a wide political spectrum, with a small but robust legal community. It was such a treat to get to know this state and the Anchorage area this summer. Alaska and ALSC have a special place in my heart!