James Mason
Pro Bono Net Volunteer Spotlight - James Mason
April 31, 2016
James Mason is an associate attorney in Dorsey & Whitney LLP's Minneapolis office. He volunteers with Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN) in its criminal expungement workshop. Last year, over 1,000 people came to VLN for help with criminal expungement, so there has been a high demand for the assisted self-help workshops. At the workshops, volunteer attorneys like James help people complete the lengthy and detailed court pleadings required for expungement using the HotDocs assembly tool hosted on ProJusticeMN.org. ProJusticeMN.org hosts a range of resources for lawyers, law students, and faculty advising low-income or disadvantaged clients in Minnesota. Pro Bono Net is excited to share this volunteer profile with our community as the nation is focused on re-entry issues during National Re-entry Week. We thank our partner, Minnesota Legal Services Coalition, for sharing this volunteer profile and hope it inspires you to volunteer! Don't forget to check out our Related Resources links below to find out how you can get started! |
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Q: Why do you feel it’s important for you to do pro bono work? What motivates you?
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It’s important for me to do pro bono work because I understand the challenges that many people face with regard to navigating the legal system, and how hard it is to do so without representation. My motivation comes from seeing the incredible need that is met through the service and commitment of those who have dedicated their careers to serving the underrepresented and disadvantaged. | "I understand the challenges that many people face with regard to navigating the legal system, and how hard it is to do so without representation." |
Q: It is obvious that the need for pro bono attorneys is overwhelming, but a busy work day can also be overwhelming: how do you find the time?
I have to find time because the work is so crucial to the lives of the underrepresented in my community. |
Q: Can you share a highlight from a memorable case?
"Experiences like this reaffirm the importance of pro bono work to my career and personal development." |
Recently I worked with a domestic violence survivor who, unfortunately, had an assault offense on her record from defending herself against her ex-husband. This offense handicapped her opportunities for employment and housing. She reached out to us because she believed expunging this offense from her record was the only way she could move on with her life. I’m glad that I was able to help her communicate her story to the court. I walked home from work that day feeling like I really made a difference. Experiences like this reaffirm the import of pro bono work to my career and personal development.
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Related Resources
- Volunteer with Volunteer Lawyers Network or attend their Volunteer Orientation Training on May 10!
- Access Information about pro bono best practices, CLE credit for pro bono work, and more in Minnesota
- Explore pro bono opportunities nationwide using our Pro Bono Opportunities Guide
- Back to the Featured Volunteers homepage
Interested in volunteering? Check out our "Volunteer Tools" page to learn about the range of resources we have at Pro Bono Net to help mobilize and engage pro bono volunteers, or start searching for opportunities right now by using our national Pro Bono Opportunities Guide!