By Amanda Brookhyser
Every single time I offer my time for some version of pro bono service—be it volunteering a few hours for one of LACSN’s “Ask-a-Lawyer” sessions or working on one of the cases I have taken through the Children’s Attorney Project—I am always amazed by how simple it is to make a huge impact on someone else’s life. As lawyers, we take for granted how easy it is for us to navigate the legal system. Where we are immersed daily in our complex litigation and transactional matters, it’s lost on us how scary it is for our community members to navigate legal terrain and the court system on their own. It is so moving to me when the people I help are incredibly grateful for my advice on issues that I wouldn’t think twice about, like what to call a certain motion, or how to prepare to speak to a judge during a hearing. I forget just how valuable my knowledge is and how privileged I am to have it. The level of anxiety a pro se party or a child experiences when faced with having to go to court and speak to a judge is significant, and spending just a few minutes of your time giving them some advice, or just expressing to them that they do not need to be scared, means the world to them. It is your obligation to use your specialized knowledge and experience to help others and I promise you that when you do, it will be worth it.
About the author
Amanda J. Brookhyser is the Managing Partner of Zumpano Patricios & Helsten. She focuses her litigation and trial practice on commercial and business disputes, and personal injury matters.
About the article
This article was originally published in the Communiqué (Apr. 2025), the official publication of the Clark County Bar Association. See https://clarkcountybar.org/about/member-benefits/communique-2025/communique-apr-2025/. The printed magazine was mailed to CCBA members on March 28, 2025.
The articles and advertisements appearing in Communiqué magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the CCBA, the CCBA Publications Committee, the editorial board, or the other authors. All legal and other issues discussed are not for the purpose of answering specific legal questions. Attorneys and others are strongly advised to independently research all issues.
© 2025 Clark County Bar Association (CCBA). All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without written permission from the publisher. Editorial policy available upon request.