The direct impact the Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) has on communities within San Francisco would not be possible without our devoted volunteers. In this issue, we're recognizing Stephen Lanctot, Partner at Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass, Stephanie Huang, Associate Attorney at Stross Mass Cutcher & Levin, and Steve Williams, Partner at Joseph Saveri Law Firm.
Stephen Lanctot
Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass
Lanctot has been a volunteer with Community Organization Representation Project (CORP) since 2002. During this time he has overseen a total of 19 cases, eight of which took place in the last three years, and all closed with excellent results. He reflected on how the opportunity presented itself around 20 years ago, “I first learned of JDC’s volunteer opportunities through my firm, Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP. Coblentz has been collaborating with the Bar Association of San Francisco for many years and I would see frequent listings of available service opportunities from its Justice and Diversity Center,” he said.
“Meeting and working with the committed leaders of organizations striving to improve the lot of underserved members of our community” is one of the highlights of handling these cases, said Lanctot, “and being inspired by their passion, dedication and deep appreciation for my meager efforts.”
Stephanie Huang
Stross Mass Cutcher & Levin
Huang began her legal career at the San Francisco Superior Court's ACCESS Center. While working there, she met and worked alongside Supervising Attorney of the Family Law Project, Antonia More, in her former position at the FLASH program. “I reached out to Antonia during my first year as an attorney to learn about volunteer opportunities and was pleased to become involved in the JDC's Family Law Project,” said Huang.
Although her primary area of practice is family law, she also has experience overseeing guardianship and conservatorship matters. “I enjoy handling JDC's pro bono cases because we provide life-changing services to ensure everyone has a chance at access to justice,” Huang expressed.
Huang urged her fellow BASF members to take the leap and look into volunteering. “Serving as a volunteer attorney is such a rewarding experience. The cases range from simple default divorces to more complex matters. No matter what the issue is, there's always one thing that is consistent: each pro bono client is just thankful for your help and representation.” Aside from JDC's volunteer opportunities, she also recommended volunteering as a Settlement Conference Officer for the Self-Represented Litigants to hone in on your mediation skills. “These opportunities are invaluable to both the volunteer attorneys and the litigants,” said Huang.
Steve Williams
Joseph Saveri Law Firm
Williams initially discovered JDC’s volunteer opportunities while reading a BASF publication, since then he has added four years of volunteer experience under his belt. He explained the source of his gratification comes from the ability to make a difference in people’s lives and helping our community. “The cases that I have worked on have affected changes in law enforcement procedures… All of the cases have been rewarding, because in all ofthem the relief that my client received was life changing,” said Williams. He recalled working on a significant case that caused a local city to require police officers to wear body cameras.
William’s primary areas of expertise include trial, complex federal litigation, and antitrust. The multifaceted attorney advised fellow members to seek the plethora of volunteer opportunities within JDC if they have not already. “There are opportunities to help pro se litigants, to help the court, and to gain in-court experience before the judges of theNorthern District. It is a win for everyone.”
If you’re interested in putting your skills and expertise to help JDC clients navigate challenging cases, contact Nicola Wood at nwood@sfbar.org.
