Ellen Goff, ’21, values meaningful client interaction and experiences beyond the legal classroom.
By Carly Owens, ‘20
Ellen Goff, JD ’21, has found pro bono work an effective and meaningful way to extend her legal education beyond the classroom, especially during her 1L year. “I prioritized short pro bono work throughout the school year and more immersive experiences on breaks because it reminded me of the reasons I became interested in law and gave me meaningful client service experiences. Looking back on my first year of law school, I realize these experiences were invaluable in expanding my legal horizons.”
After Ellen’s first quarter, she participated in Ascend Justice’s Winter Immersion Program. There, she aided survivors of domestic violence in petitioning the court for emergency orders of protection. Alongside other law students, Ellen interviewed clients, then used that information to draft affidavits and petitions, which were reviewed by the client and attorney and submitted to the court. “This experience taught me how to ask thorough questions while being mindful of the traumatic experiences I was discussing with clients. It emphasized the human aspect of legal practice, something not often discussed in the classroom.”
Ellen also used her spring break to engage in pro bono work. During this time, she volunteered at the Louisiana Capital Assistance Center along with other University of Chicago law students. Through this position, she gained experience in a new area of law – criminal defense. The Louisiana Capital Assistance Center provides defense to low-income individuals charged with capital crimes, which carry the potential of a death sentence. “This experience helped me realize how much I value direct client interaction and has helped guide me in seeking out future pro bono opportunities.”
During the quarter, Ellen enjoys participating in the monthly general service Woodlawn clinic run by Legal Aid Chicago. “I love seeing so many different kinds of cases and working with experienced attorneys to issue-spot real life situations,” she says. Madeline Franke, the Community Legal Clinics Coordinator at Legal Aid Chicago, appreciates working with Ellen and was particularly grateful for Ellen’s participation in the Woodlawn Clinic in August, noting that “[w]e had one of our biggest client turn outs at that clinic, and with Ellen’s help, we were able to serve over 30 clients during that clinic. She was calm, efficient, and kind to all of her clients and to the other volunteers at the clinic. We would not have been able to see and advise all of those people without her.”
Ellen has continued volunteering with the Woodlawn Clinic this year in addition to applying her passion for client service through the Police Accountability Clinic at the Law School. In this position, she conducts research, client and witness interviews, and writes memoranda pertaining to torture claims against the police.
Ellen looks forward to continuing to explore her legal interests through pro bono work in law school and is confident that she will carry her passion for public interest with her wherever she works. She believes that no other experiences are quite as intellectually stimulating and rewarding.