Janai
How do I help minorities that feel like they don"t matter in the legal system obtain a voice?
How do I help minorities/ or their families that were charged/killed for an unlawful unjust crime feel like matter as a civil right attorney? #law #civil-rights #civil-cases
1 answer
Kim Igleheart
Kim’s Answer
Janai,
Thank you for your interest in Civil Rights Law! It is a very challenging specialty, but, I want to tell you about an AWESOME group of attorneys that you will be able to draw on for support. They have a list-serve, where they share not only ideas and support, but also, their work! They freely share briefs they have spent days writing. The group is NPAP - the National Police Accountability Project. When you become a lawyer, I encourage you to join!
As to helping your clients feel like they matter, I think a lot of that has to do with maintaining communication with them, and treating them with respect. Also, depending on what level of involvement they want, you should be able to refer them to various community organizations of like-minded people. It is important that they first educate themselves before they jump into things. That is part of the "empowerment" process. When you empower people, you give them the tools and resources to handle their own problems. It is very rewarding to watch people grow in this regard!
Best of luck to you!
Kim