Katie Anderson (left), staff attorney at, and coordinator of, The John Marshall Law School Pro Bono Program, received the Partner Award, and 3L Caitlin Papadopoulos was named to the Pro Bono Honor Roll by Chicago Volunteer Legal Services at its awards ceremony April 18, 2013.
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (CVLS) honored the outstanding efforts of John Marshall Law School staff member Katie Anderson and student Caitlin Papadopoulos in assisting those who otherwise would not have the assistance of an attorney.
At the CVLS award ceremony April 18, 2013, Anderson (JD ’10) has been the law school’s liaison with CVLS on the Cook County Foreclosure Mediation Program. She works to ensure that dozens of John Marshall students are trained to competently handle foreclosure mediation cases.
The CVLS Law Student Clinic was created in May of 2011 in response to high student demand for summer volunteer positions through John Marshall’s Pro Bono Program. Student volunteers assist homeowners and CVLS prepare for upcoming mediations.
Their volunteer efforts give them client interaction; client counseling skills; a substantive understanding of foreclosure law; knowledge about the mediation process; experiences of what it is like to work within a legal aid organization; and the ability to effectively work with a diverse client base.
Anderson, who with Associate Dean Ralph Ruebner helped organize the law school’s Pro Bono Program in November 2010, was recognized by CVLS for her “diligence, responsiveness and perceptive oversight that provides her students with a high-quality pro bono experience and helps to shape the future of equal access to justice.” Today Anderson works with Professor F. Willis Caruso, Pro Bono Program director.
Papadopoulos is one of the students Anderson mentors. Her work ethic and concern for her clients is valued by CVLS which recognized her for her “passion for helping those in need in our communities.”
Through her work with CLVS Papadopoulos was eligible for a 711 license, and has been able to practical information through her volunteer efforts. “It’s been a great experience, everyone has been so helpful, and it’s a great way to advocate for others.”
“These are people that need the most help navigating the legal process,” Papadopoulos said. “So many are scared and don’t know what’s going on. I like being able to demystify the whole experience for them.”
Papadopoulos hopes to continue working in legal aid pro bono fields after graduation. “It’s rewarding to help people who need legal assistance.”
Papadopoulos received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Lewis University, with the intention of attending law school.