By Ashley Kasper
My time working for the Friend of the Court Bureau has been immensely fulfilling, intertwining my passion for the law with a sense of purpose. My role has allowed me to navigate the intricacies of legal processes and provided a platform to apply the skills I developed volunteering in Wayne County. My volunteer experience helped me foster a deep understanding of community dynamics and enhanced my ability to serve with empathy and efficiency.
My volunteer experience started at Coleman A. Young Municipal Center in the heart of downtown Detroit. I volunteered at the Michigan Legal Help (MLH) Self-Help Center in the Wayne County Third Circuit Court Family Division. The Self-Help Center assists Wayne County residents who wish to gain information about how to represent themselves in simple legal matters through the MLH website. It helps them understand how to file motions in the court system. In addition to the website, I assisted visitors by answering questions about court practices and processes and simple questions about forms available on the website including motions for divorce, child support, parenting time changes and enforcement, and child custody.
Working at the Self-Help Center helped me understand how important it is to have accessible legal services in Michigan. Through the privilege of working alongside dedicated staff and learning from their expertise, I was able to understand how this service provides a more informed legal experience for the plaintiff, defendant, and the Friend of the Court. Law Librarian Lynn Reeves, who manages the Self-Help Center, explains how this service goes beyond our office: “We are able to assist self-represented clients understand court process, as well as completing motions and other court documents correctly. In some instances, clients do not have income to retain an attorney, but the Self-Help Center can provide resources for clients to find income-based legal clinics to assist with their legal matters. The Self-Help Center is needed not only for the resources it provides, but also for the connection it makes with those who require help in understanding and maneuvering through the court process.”
The 3rd Circuit Court’s mission is to “…. serve the community by providing accessible and equal justice for all.” Its vision is being “…. an exemplary and innovative Court leading with integrity in providing justice and public service.” In comparison, Reeves outlines the living mission of the Self-Help Center: “I am a true believer in how beneficial the Self-Help Center is to our clients. When I assist our clients, I treat them as if it were me sitting where they are sitting. It is my goal to be helpful and supportive, providing our clients with an experience that I would expect to have if seeking help.”
This work exemplifies the true meaning of service and justice, not only for Wayne County, but for the entire state, as well. Volunteering for a Self-Help Center is an experience that I highly encourage every law student to participate in, regardless of practice area interests or law school experience level. As students will learn through their educational and career paths, giving back to their community is an essential part of the law school experience. This will not only help to build relationships with future clients, but it will also help them connect with the place where they live.
I have loved every minute of volunteering at the Center; it has afforded me several opportunities and has broadened my understanding of how the justice system works in Michigan. I cannot emphasize enough the importance—not to mention the invaluable experience—of law students volunteering.
