Evan Carcerano
Before attending UVA Law, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in public service. During my undergraduate career, I completed an internship with a Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. Working with attorneys in housing law cases solidified my desire to one day represent indigent individuals. During my 1L year, I was eager to work with the Pro Bono Program to help some of society’s most vulnerable individuals.
After finishing the fall semester, I dedicated myself to pro bono work. During winter break, I completed a project with the Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, where I assisted with the office’s rent relief application program. I also participated in the [Public Interest Law Association’s] Alternative Spring Break, where I spent a week learning about the criminal justice system with the Culpeper Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Lastly, I volunteered remotely throughout the semester with Public Law Center — a nonprofit legal aid office in California offering free legal services to indigent individuals. There, I wrote memos on tenants’ rights under California law and motions for clients’ cases.
Each of these experiences was unique and special. Being able to apply my limited legal knowledge to make a difference for someone who needed it was a fulfilling feeling and cemented for me that I made the right choice to go to law school. I hope to continue working with the Pro Bono Program during the rest of my time as a law student because I want to continue to try and make a difference for someone who may need it.
Overall, I could not recommend working with the Pro Bono Program enough. Working directly with clients and applying theoretical concepts to practice has reaffirmed for me, time and again, that I made the right career choice by deciding to be a public interest lawyer.