Joseph Ludmir, ’21, seeks to build understanding and promote empathy at the law school and in legal services.

By Faith Laken, ’20

Joseph Ludmir always enjoyed public speaking, but it was ultimately his desire to connect with clients one on one that led him to the law school. In undergrad, he served as a crisis counselor for survivors of sexual assault in the community. He appreciated his ability to connect with people in that setting, but wanted to be able to provide clients with legal resources to address their needs as well.

For Ludmir, public interest and direct legal aid felt like a natural fit. “I want to be able to make the biggest, most tangible impact on people,” he described. “You can really see the impact of your work when there’s a client sitting in front of you who feels supported because of your work. There’s a sense of accomplishment and feeling of fulfillment being on the front lines.”

During his 1L spring break, Ludmir participated in a pro bono service trip to St. Louis where he externed at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, a nonprofit legal aid organization that provides free legal help to low income individuals and families on civil issues including housing, public benefits, special education, and domestic violence. There, Ludmir worked on a study of the relationship between court proceedings and incidents of domestic violence and assault on clients. He explained how attorneys should be aware of the role that various stressors, including those stemming from the legal system, play in the cycle of violence and should pay careful attention to the needs of their clients during those times.

At the law school, Ludmir has his eye on the effects of stressors on the student body. He serves as the Vice President of Mental Wellness in the Law School’s student government and is dedicated to making the law school community more aware of mental health concerns and available resources. He also started a “Secret Pal” program to encourage more bonding and positivity at the school. Participating students get assigned another student who they leave little notes or small gifts for anonymously until a reveal later in the year. Students might leave each other compliments, words of encouragement, or candy. Ludmir hopes activities like these remind students to take time to check in with themselves, relax, and bond with their classmates.

Ludmir hopes to continue to find innovative ways to connect with classmates and clients during the remainder of his time at the law school and to bring his empathic approach into his future legal career.