Jeffry T. Johnson
Northwestern Legal Services
Erie, Pennsylvania

AN ERIE SUMMER REFLECTION

In my first year of law school I researched various public interest law opportunities and was accepted as an esteemed Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) summer intern. “Yes”, I thought, “I would now have the opportunity to use my legal education to champion the rights of the poor and downtrodden!”

The main challenge was that my assignment would be 310 miles away in Erie, Northwestern Pennsylvania. The only knowledge I had of Erie up to that point was that it experienced icy winters from the so-called “lake effect.” Thereafter, I read Zarinah’s yesteryear MLK internship experience entitled, “Bugs, Bats, Erie, Oh My!” To be honest, I would rather take my chances with bugs and bats than a harsh winter. Filled with determination, I embarked upon an unforgettable journey to Northwestern Legal Services (NWLS) in Erie.

I met my new colleagues on my first day at NWLS. Over the next 2 ½ months they would become my surrogate family as we met with clients, prepared memos and arguments, attended court and shared meals.

The Executive Director Robert and my supervising attorney Judy gave me an overview of NWLS and a profile of their clientele. My introduction to public interest law involved observing client intakes/interviews. Persons who were “knocking on their last legal door” came to NWLS with a personal story to tell. How their eyes glistened when their law worker listened and spoke with them compassionately! Yes indeed, each law worker was careful to avoid extinguishing the flame of hope of each disadvantaged client.

I found out that NWLS’ clients had to fall within a low financial bracket, among other things, to qualify for legal assistance. Furthermore, many of the clients not only were poor but also suffered from ailments, physical, mental or a combination thereof. In many cases, their financial crises were perpetuated by their ailments – an unfortunate chicken and egg paradigm.

One of the first things that I wanted to know was where the courthouses were located. I was surprised to find out that not only were there two courthouses (federal and county) but that hearings were held at other locations before unemployment referees, administrative law judges and district judges. Remembering the myriad of locations seemed daunting at the outset, but by week two of my internship I was wearing down “shoe leather” walking confidently with paralegals or lawyers to some of these locations.

Some of the types of cases handled at NWLS included Social Security Disability (SSD), Protection from Abuse, Custody, Unemployment Compensation, and Landlord/Tenant matters. One case that stands out in my mind was a Landlord/Tenant case where our client, a lady, was fighting to keep her Section 8 (public housing) benefits which were threatened by underhanded conduct of a landlord. The proud landlord boasted that he had prevailed in many administrative cases before (implying that our client would not prevail against him). The NWLS attorney represented the tenant fearlessly in administrative court and in the end; our client got a favorable decision. The client was overjoyed! This is just one of many experiences where our clients received unparalleled legal help and won. There is the nagging stereotype that persons who work in the public interest law/legal services arena are “second-rate” law workers. This mindset partly springs from the fact that public interest law clients do not pay for the legal services they receive. Second-rate? Nothing could be further from the truth! From my summer internship, I can testify that public interest law clients would be hard-pressed to find more dedicated and knowledgeable persons to represent them.

During my tenure at NWLS I have seen ethical and excellent advocacy on behalf of clients in the face of adversity. NWLS law workers have shown an uncanny knowledge of the temperament of many judges; thus they competently prepare their clients and tailor their arguments to suit each judge. Indeed, the presiding judge’s disposition may run the gamut from compassionate to oppressive. After years of working with these judges my colleagues could make a reasonable prediction regarding which judge, for example, is more inclined to give a favorable SSD award, or not. Admirably my colleagues, bar none, countenanced stern words directed by a judge at them better than condescending words directed at their clients.

On the other hand, my colleagues are not averse to relaxation, as was proven by a fabulous staff picnic held one Friday in July. It was a lovely summer afternoon, with temperatures in the mid-80’s. Each attendee brought along an item of food or refreshment. This was a nice avenue for me to get to know my colleagues a bit better as they took a break from their demanding work schedules and shared jokes and entertaining experiences. Peals of laughter filled the air and we all enjoyed the refreshments and each other’s company.

My reflection would be incomplete if I did not comment on Erie’s natural resources. Some persons have disparagingly called the city, “the mistake on the lake” but I would come quickly to the defense of this charming city. Sure, Erie may be beyond its heyday when commercial and industrial enterprise flourished, but the city has many thriving features, for example the multi-ethnic cuisine and the Presque Isle peninsula. In fact, Presque Isle reputedly has one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. To be honest, I was skeptical about this fact until I first witnessed the sun making a perfect dive into the lake. Ahhh…it took my breath away!

In conclusion, working in public interest law may not be as glamorous as working in private practice, however public interest law employees can have inner contentment and pride for jobs well done. I appreciated how public interest law workers empathize with their clients and genuinely display an interest in helping them. These qualities were exhibited many times over by my colleagues at NWLS.

In a few weeks, I will leave Erie with a better knowledge of practice of the law and with a refreshing air of nostalgia as I reminisce on my unforgettable MLK internship at NWLS.

Acknowledgements: I am grateful to Ms. Cynthia Newcomer, Chief Administrative Officer of the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network for affording me the opportunity to contribute to the empowerment of persons in need, via my MLK internship.