Reba Letsa is an associate at Baker Donelson, where she maintains a broad litigation practice with a focus on labor and employment and business litigation matters. Reba also serves on the Board of Directors for MVLS.

Read on to learn why Reba volunteers:

• Why do you choose to volunteer with MVLS?

Volunteering with MVLS provides me with the opportunity and resources to connect with people in my community who are facing financial hardships and need assistance with navigating the legal system. I enjoy getting to know my MVLS clients, learning their stories, and hearing about their families. Interacting with my MVLS clients has taught me how to be a more effective advocate because of how invested I am in their stories and experiences through talking with them. As a new lawyer, volunteering with MVLS also provides me with hands-on legal experience in new and exciting areas of the law.

• Do you have any stand out stories?

I recall preparing a will for a client who was very concerned about how specific items of her property with sentimental value would be distributed. After conducting her will execution ceremony, she told me on the drive home how at peace she felt that she now knows that her most beloved items would be passed on for her daughter to enjoy with her grandchildren. I am proud that my assistance could bring her some form of peace, stability, and certainty in these otherwise unsettling and uncertain times.

• What is your favorite part about volunteering with MVLS?

My favorite part about volunteering with MVLS is working collaboratively with clients to combine my knowledge of the law with their knowledge and understanding of their stories and experiences to pursue a favorable outcome. MVLS also makes volunteering as easy as possible by training, mentoring, and supporting its volunteer attorneys to be confident to take on something new.

• Why should other attorneys do pro bono?

When you reach the end of your career, the lives you have changed and the people you help with your legal services will be what matters and what you reflect on. All attorneys should do pro bono work because of the lasting impact that using our legal knowledge, privilege, and experience can have on our community. We as attorneys are responsible for creating a profession, legacy and community that we can be proud of. Pro bono service is also encouraged by the bar and by most, if not all legal employers – total win-win!

• Where do you see the impact of civil legal services in the next ten years?

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly increased the need for civil legal services, and I am confident that more attorneys will want to get involved and help as many clients affected as possible.