by Zack Ohanesian, SC Bar Pro Bono Program Manager
My job is simple: curate opportunities for attorneys to provide free legal services to low income individuals across the state of South Carolina. I get to do that on a daily basis with two wonderful staff members in our Pro Bono Program, and with our volunteer attorneys who give of their time and expertise.
The amount of buy-in, community support, and volunteerism that was on display in Clemson was a beautiful reminder of why I took this job and why I love it. First and foremost, I want to thank the Littlejohn Community Center for hosting us. This is now the second time we have used their space, and each time they have been kind, gracious, and welcoming. They serve as a beacon of light in the Clemson community and have done so for decades. Our work is amplified when done in tandem with strong community partners. We had exactly that with LCC.
I also want to thank our partners: the Joseph F. Rice School of Law, South Carolina Legal Services, and Time Served. We are blessed to have several organizations in South Carolina that work tirelessly each and every day to improve the lives of low incomes families. Through our partnerships with these groups and so many others, the Pro Bono Program is able to leverage our private Bar members’ willingness to serve and improve delivery of these services all around.
Next, I want to thank our volunteers: Ed McLaurin, Scott Dover, Kimberly Newton, Joe Yaksich, Jim Alexander, Steven Alexander, Hunter Baughman, and Nick Lavery. Each of these volunteers played a vital role in responding to the potpourri of legal issues brought to them and did so with care and attention. I especially want to thank Scott for being such a vocal supporter of this event and bringing his colleagues into the fold.
We are lucky to have a small Bar in South Carolina. It means we get to know one another, encourage one another, and share in the wins. Our event in Clemson was one of those wins.
I encourage you to get involved with us at our next event. Use the sign up form below to tell us how you want to volunteer and we will get you started on that journey! And always know that you can reach out to me directly at zbo@scbar.org. Can’t wait to work with you! GET INVOLVED!
