By: Zoë Sandoval | 3L St. Mary’s University School of Law
Volunteering with the San Antonio Legal Services Association (SALSA) Veterans’ Legal Clinic was an incredibly fulfilling experience that reminded me just how powerful knowledge can be when it’s used to help others.
As a 3L law student, I’m at a point where I’m eager to put what I’ve learned into real-world practice. I signed up for the SALSA event knowing it would be a great opportunity to serve those in our community, but I didn’t realize just how much it would teach me. Walking in, I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness, unsure of exactly what situations I would encounter, but ready to help in any way I could.
The atmosphere in the clinic was both busy and welcoming. Attorneys, staff, and volunteers worked together seamlessly to make sure every client was heard and assisted. One of my first conversations was with a man seeking guidance on a custody matter. Listening to his story, I was able to draw on what I’ve learned in law school and through hands-on experiences to help clarify his options and provide reassurance. Later, I met a woman who needed help filing a complaint against a company. While the attorneys assisted her directly, I observed their approach and gained valuable insight into the legal issues at hand and the most effective ways to communicate with clients in sensitive situations.
Being from a small town, this experience tugged at my heartstrings. I know what it’s like to feel uncertain or uneducated about legal matters, and it was deeply rewarding to help bridge that gap for someone else. It also reaffirmed for me that legal research and client communication are not just concepts learned in law school, they are practical tools that can change lives.
Opportunities like this remind me why pro bono work is such a vital part of the legal profession. Access to justice should never depend solely on a person’s financial means, and volunteering helps level the playing field. Watching experienced attorneys generously give their time and expertise to members of the community underscored the responsibility we have as future lawyers to serve and give back.
The Veterans’ Clinic left me inspired, grateful, and more excited than ever to enter the legal profession. I’m thankful to SALSA for the opportunity to serve, learn, and connect, and I can’t wait to return!