Former President of the United States “Jimmy” Carter was just laid to rest. Regardless of your politics, no one can question his commitment to service because of President Carter’s nearly a forty year commitment to the organization Habitat for Humanity. 

As we start this new year, in light of the massive wildfire tragedy sweeping across Southern California, I ask you to renew your commitments to community service as one of your New Years’ resolutions. Many have lost homes, communities are suffering, and most of us are experiencing anxiety as we face these tragedies.

I encourage you to volunteer at your local church, synagogue, mosque, or place of worship.  Donate to a great law-related charity like Operation Helping Hands, started by an attorney, who provides backpacks to homeless veterans or attend Law Rocks! Donate your time or money to Food from the Bar. 

There are so many amazing bar-related volunteer programs I can highlight.

WLALA foundation has group days for eviction defense clinics through Inner City Law Center, cooking club at Downtown Womens’ Center, and family law training with Harriett Buhai. 

BWL participates bimonthly in the FAME legal clinic.

APABA and APAWLA host elder law days and a monthly legal clinic.

The Armenian Bar Association has a pro bono clinic that runs year round, and also hosts in-person Expungement clinics 1-2 times a year. 

LACBA has a Veterans Legal Services Project that provides expungement assistant to veterans that I have found personally rewarding.

Obviously this list is not exhaustive, but my point is, find a way to carve out some time to give back and pay it forward, and if you can, be the light.  

Noelle Natoli
President, Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles