Lucrecia Johnson, the founder and managing attorney at LPJ Legal, has been a volunteer with MVLS since 2012. She primarily accepts cases in the areas of family law (divorce and custody) and bankruptcy. She has taken 23 of these cases since first signing up as a volunteer and is currently working on a bankruptcy case, something for which it is particularly important for our clients to have advocates by their side during COVID-19. Read on to hear why Lucrecia volunteers:

• Why do you choose to volunteer with MVLS?

The main reason I became an attorney was to help the most vulnerable in our society. Often times, the people who need our assistance the most are not able to pay legal fees. The only way for me to be successful is to pay it forward.

• Do you have any stand out stories?

I don’t have one story, it’s more of a collective feeling. Bankruptcy is a federal matter with a lot of paperwork. This is always overwhelming to a client financially drained. The sigh of relief when I inform them that their debt has been discharged is always a standout to me.  

• What is your favorite part about volunteering with MVLS?

Helping someone navigate the legal system gives me joy. The legal system can be overwhelming and confusing to non-lawyers. This confusion leads to frustration. The frustration leads to litigants giving up and not exercising their rights. My favorite part is ensuring that litigants know their options.

• Why should other tax professionals do pro bono?

We should all do pro bono work because of the relief you are able to give to those clients. One hour of our time can make a lifetime of difference to client. You can have a profound, positive, impact on an entire household from just one pro bono case a year.