Why Do I Love Doing Pro Bono?

I don't know if I can call myself dense and that if it runs in my genes, since my late father, who was lawyer himself have done tons and tons of pro bono cases when he was still alive, but I really do find glory in doing it.

I've been active in doing pro bono since I joined the legal field in 2007. I started with the Hawaii Paralegal Association's three committees namely the Publication, Public Relations and the Pro Bono Committee. Followed by the Hawaii State Bar Association and the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii for two consecutive years now.

My friends often asked me as to how can I afford to work for free, and I always answer them, with "I don't know, I just feel happy doing it." Some might think that I'm stupid, but, just like Forrest Gump says "stupid is, is stupid does," but, I still find happiness in doing it.

It's not that I am well off and that my pockets are overflowing that I don't need money, actually, I still struggle just to meet ends, yet, I still am happy. Unfortunately, there are still some, who never give up criticizing me for doing public service, rather than making money; for giving up they say "the biggest opportunity" that comes once in a lifetime. That if I didn't quit doing bankruptcy, forecolsures, collections and evictions to the most prestigious foreclosure law firm here in Hawaii, I could have been financially stable now, since I used to work as the legal assistant of the managing partner of our firm. But, I chose a different path because, I opted to do pro bono than going against people who already are in the bottom rock of their lives.

Last Monday, I got certified by the Internal Revenue Service as a Volunteer Tax Preparer for their outreach program VITA/TCE (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, Tax Counseling for the Elderly). I took the training with the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii last week and I took the certification exam Monday, and got certified the same day for the basic certification. Then I took intermediate and the advance thereafter.

Last year, I also participated, but more on intake and scheduling of appointments. But now, through the certification, I got promoted as tax preparer to help low income Hawaii locals file their federal and state returns.

Most of our clients are elderly and homeless. Some has attitude, and some were just thankful that VITA/TCE is there for them every tax season. There is such a great challenge in dealing with them. Sincerity and respect are vital keys in winning their trust, luckily at the end of doing their returns, they still managed to smile and thank me for the hefty refunds I brought them, and that's the priceless part of it!

I know I still have a long way to go and I expect more humps and bumps along the way, but, I am not scared, not a bit! I just hope that God will allow me to continue doing all these, until the day I face Him.

There are 101 ways to make a difference in the lives of the people we come across with. We might not have the money all the time to feed others or help them with their needs. But, there are other ways, meaningful ways to touch the lives of the less privileged. And, for me, helping low income families find their way to equal access to justice and their rights well asserted, are what I can humbly contribute in this world.

To God be the glory!