Monthly Archives: November 2018

The robots are coming…..

true but not to worry, there is evidence that there will still be a need for people skills! Are you working on improving your people skills ( interviewing, problem solving, explaining, listening) ?

No of course you aren’t….right now…. because you are preparing for exams! But after exams let’s talk and see what we can do to improve your people skills and even your “beat the robot skills”.

More on the robot trend in this article from Forbes

https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemckendrick/2018/11/29/artificial-intelligence-paradox-as-robots-take-over-people-skills-become-more-critical/#7acf40c576c1

and remember robots do not have what it takes to take a law school exam!

Thanks for a great Thanksgiving Dinner

Volunteers and donors from BLSA, CALS, J. Law and Education, PILS, Pro Bono Board and WIL cooked, donated and served a full Thanksgiving Dinner to the residents at the Family Shelter and St. Lawrence Place.

“Delicious, thank you, whipped cream!” When we shared the tradition of the wishbone, one young boy won and whispered to me that his wish was ” I hope we are in our own home next year” I whispered to him, ” that was my wish for you!”

Thanks to everyone who donated food, cooked and served! A great team effort!

Enjoy these photos from the event https://flic.kr/s/aHsmnhWcfU

Protecting children

The best way to advocate for abused and neglected children is to become a volunteer guardian ad litem! Richland County CASA ( Court Appointed Special Advocates) is our local organization that manages all of the volunteer GAL’s in Richland County.

To become a GAL you must complete an application and other forms, attend a hearing and participate in a series of trainings. The good news is that we have made the training easy for law students. It is in our building! Room 395 on Jan. 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31 from 6-8:30

Even easier the application packet is available online here! https://sc-richland.evintosolutions.com/VolunteerApplication

This is one of best and most direct pro bono opportunities you can have while in Law School. You will be appointed by a Family Court Judge to investigate, advocate and monitor a case. Family Court judges depend on the words and actions of the guardians. Often they are the only people following the law and visiting the child. For older children the GAL is often their voice.

Don’t hesitate to come by and talk about any issues or questions you may have. If you miss this opportunity to volunteer it may not come around again until next Sept.

Tax season is coming

“In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” – Benjamin Franklin

We can do something about taxes! We can prepare and file federal and state tax returns for low income people in our community. For over 20 years the USC School of Law Pro Bono Program has had a team of VITA ( Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) members who have stepped up and helped.

To become a part of this team, you must be certified by the IRS. The good news is that they provide excellent training material. The printed material has arrived in the Pro Bono Program Office. Drop by, pick it up, put it away until after exams and in your spare time you can review and take the online exam. When you return in Jan. you will be ready but the good news continues- we do not start preparing returns until Feb. A sign up will be available for you to help on either Wed evenings or Sat mornings.

More good news! This is a team effort, we all work together to solve any problems that arise. Did you know that Professor Clint Wallace is one of our volunteers? If he can do it so can you!

Questions? Contact the Pro Bono Program Room 386 or Robinspd@law.sc.edu

We have answers!

Thanks….

…to everyone who donated tuna and peanut butter for the Fall Best Class Food Drive. The Class of 2020 is to be congratulated for bringing in the most “poundage”. “Poundage” in the law school is calculated as actual weight plus 1lb. for every dollar! With a total of 4, 808 “pounds” we made a great difference and helped Harvest Hope Food Bank address food insecurity in SC.

It may be difficult to believe but all this peanut butter will be distributed within a week! The demand is high!

A special thanks to Patty Morr, Maura Ashton, and the other members of the Pro Bono Board who helped collect money, as well as weigh and load the food. We really hope that Professor Stoughton’s classes are enjoying no cold calling! Peanut butter works!