“Volunteering is an act of heroism on a grand scale. And it matters profoundly. It does more than help people beat the odds; it changes the odds.”
These powerful words by U.S. President William J. Clinton express the transformative nature of voluntarism. Volunteering can simply be defined as the act of individuals or groups voluntarily giving their time and labor for community service.
In today’s world, the concepts of voluntarism and community service are held in high regard with people all around the globe being passionate about creating change and addressing the pressing challenges within their community. Following this trend law students and legal professionals all around the world can be seen making significant contributions to create a more just and equitable society.
Legal professionals, equipped with their expertise and skills, have the unique opportunity to not only provide essential services to those in need but also to reshape the very fabric of justice in their communities. They make contributions to their communities by offering their skills and knowledge to underserved communities ensuring that everyone has access to legal services and that justice is served.
Their involvments come in different forms ranging from participating in community legal clinics to providing free legal workshops or collaborating with non-profit organizations to address injustice.
Engaging in voluntarism is also beneficial to legal professionals themselves as it allows them to develop and hone their legal advocacy skills in a variety of settings. Not only that, it also allows them to make valuable connections through the undertaking both in the professional sphere and in the community as well. This is very beneficial as fostering relationships is a crucial aspect of becoming the best legal professional one can be.
In addition to all that, volunteering brings a unique and wholesome feeling to the hearts of those who sacrifice their time and energy for the betterment of their community. Lydia Maria Child’s touching words, “An effort made for the happiness of others lifts us above ourselves,” beautifully capture this sentiment. As legal professionals engage in acts of service, they transcend their own ambitions, discovering a profound sense of purpose in the act of uplifting others.
The voluntary work of legal professionals brings a much-needed positive impact on the lives of those in need and the community as a whole. For example, pro bono services have helped countless individuals navigate complex legal issues of diverse natures. As a student who has completed three years of legal studies, I have seen numerous legal professionals in action giving much-needed services to our community.
One such act that I believe is worth mentioning is Lawyers for Human Rights(LHR) which is an Ethiopian civil society organization established by passionate lawyers dedicated to enhancing human rights protection in Ethiopia. LHR seeks to equip legal professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to advocate for and safeguard human rights.
The organization prioritizes assisting vulnerable groups and tackling human rights abuses through strategic litigation. Their work exemplifies a commitment to social justice and the betterment of society, making a meaningful impact in the lives of those they serve.
Even though voluntarism offers immense benefits for both legal professionals and the communities they serve, there are significant challenges that sometimes hinder their engagement. Legal practice is at times overwhelming and is characterized by very high workloads and time constraints making it difficult for legal professionals to engage in community service activities. Balancing their professional responsibilities with volunteer commitments is crucial, as the pressures of their legal practice can sometimes overshadow their desire to give back.
In conclusion, voluntarism represents a vital partnership between legal professionals and the pursuit of justice, embodying the transformative power of service. As President Clinton noted, volunteering not only helps those facing adversity but also reshapes society. Legal professionals, equipped with their expertise, play a crucial role in delivering essential services to underserved populations, ensuring justice is accessible to all. While challenges do exist, the commitment to voluntarism remains essential.
Organizations like Lawyers for Human Rights highlight the significant impact that dedicated legal professionals can have in advocating for human rights. Ultimately, I urge all aspiring law students and legal professionals to engage in voluntary work. As the famous boxer Muhammad Ali put it:
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”.
Source:
Ahmed, Y. (2023, January 28). The importance of doing volunteer work in the field of law. Maldives Moot Court Society. https://maldivesmootcourtsociety.org/the-importance-of-doing-volunteer-work-in-the-field-of-law/
Author: Yishak Baraki Desta, School of Law, Addis Ababa University (AAU)
About the Author: Yishak B. Desta is a dedicated law student at Addis Ababa University (AAU) with a passion for Corporate Law. Yishak is a Fellow in the Young Lawyers Initiative (YLI). He is also serving as the leadership Executive Board Member (EBM) of YLI. With an eagerness to embrace new experiences and connect with diverse individuals, Yishak is poised to make a meaningful contribution to the legal profession. He can be reached at: yishakdesta495@gmail.com
