Trial Magazine

Trial attorneys are integral members of their communities. By volunteering, they can use their innate passion to improve the lives of those around them.

I first heard this quote from my father: “If you are more fortunate than others, it is better to build a longer table than a taller fence.” As a trial lawyer, he understood the privilege—and the responsibility—of being part of our profession. He also knew that each time he stood in front of a jury to get justice for his clients, how the jurors felt about lawyers mattered just as much as how they felt about his client.

By giving back and encouraging colleagues to do the same, we can accomplish several things. In addition to improving the public perception of lawyers, our actions can increase firm morale, strengthen relationships while working toward a common goal, and—most important—help others who may not be as fortunate as we are. People who are generous with their time build strong bonds with others and the communities they live and work in. No matter how much time you have available to volunteer, there are many opportunities to give back to your community.

Find projects you are passionate about—it will help you make the time to fully participate. One of my personal passions is empowering women, so one way I’ve focused on issues that affect women and families is by volunteering at the Dress for Success boutique, which helps women re-enter the workforce. Their needs vary, from selecting professional clothing to writing resumes. After just a few hours of volunteering my time, it is amazing to see a woman’s transformation as I help her prepare to go to her interview—and it is even more rewarding when she gets the job.

When a need arises, step up! Living in New Orleans since 2003, I’ve seen the destruction natural and man-made disasters can inflict—and how the generosity of others can help those caught in their path. In August 2016, just as ¬children were preparing to go back to school, severe flooding devastated much of Louisiana. I worked with fellow attorneys in coordination with AAJ’s Trial Lawyers Care (TLC) to help replace the school supplies that many families desperately needed. Together, we organized more than 800 boxes of school supplies and distributed them to hundreds of young people. Because we were willing to act, we restored some sense of normalcy to those families’ lives.

The 2017 hurricane season was particularly cruel, and the devastation hit Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, Texas, and the Virgin Islands on a scale that no one could have predicted. As they continue to rebuild, there is no better moment to give to these and other areas affected by disaster.

TLC supports and recognizes AAJ members who are “doing well by doing good” and contributing to their communities through projects that serve the public. Each one of us has the opportunity to build a longer table in our own communities. Try volunteering just 10 hours of your time between now and the end of the year. And after you do, report the good work that you have done to TLC@justice.org so we can spread the word. Working together, we can improve the lives of those around us.

Jennifer Greene is special counsel at Scott, Vicknair, Hair & Checki in New Orleans and was the recipient of the 2017 Trial Lawyers Care Award. She can be reached at greene@svhclaw.com.