Celebrating Volunteer Attorney Richard Wedgle During National Celebrate Pro Bono Month
October is National Celebrate Pro Bono Month, a time to recognize the attorneys who generously dedicate their time, knowledge, and legal expertise to ensuring that justice is accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.
At the Justice and Mercy Legal Aid Center (JAMLAC), our volunteer attorneys are an essential part of our mission to seek justice for people facing poverty and oppression.
This month, we are proud to recognize Richard (Rick) Wedgle, a volunteer attorney who supports JAMLAC’s immigration team by assisting vulnerable children with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) cases.
SIJS is an important legal protection available to certain unmarried young people under 21 who have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect by one or both parents and meet other legal requirements.
For Rick, volunteering is about more than providing legal services. It is about helping children and families build safer, more stable futures.
In Rick’s Own Words
“I have recently become a volunteer lawyer at JAMLAC, and I have been very impressed with the organization. They genuinely care about their clients and their needs.
I work on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) cases, and JAMLAC does an excellent job conducting intake, gathering the necessary information, and connecting clients with volunteer attorneys.
For many years, I worked with the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network on similar cases. Unfortunately, they are currently unable to continue this work because of limited volunteer coordination capacity and the demands of their detention cases. It is wonderful that JAMLAC is still able to take on these cases and help children who need legal protection.
The young people we assist must be under 21, unmarried, and have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect by one or both parents, among other legal requirements.
Sometimes, with all the difficult immigration issues facing our country, it can feel like helping with just a few cases isn’t enough.
But Steve Thompson, JAMLAC’s Executive Director, reminded me that helping one case at a time and one family at a time is incredibly valuable, not only to those families but also to our nation.
That perspective has stayed with me.
If any attorneys are interested in learning more about SIJS cases, I would be happy to talk with you and help you learn how to handle them. Together, we can help these young people pursue legal protection and have the opportunity to build their futures in the United States.” – Richard (Rick) Wedgle, Volunteer Attorney, JAMLAC
The Power of Pro Bono Service
Rick’s experience reminds us that behind every legal case is a person whose future may depend on access to compassionate, knowledgeable legal representation.
At JAMLAC, volunteer attorneys work alongside our legal team and Tana Finley Padilla, Pro Bono Coordinator, who helps connect volunteers with meaningful opportunities to serve.
Their contributions allow JAMLAC to expand its reach and support more individuals and families who might otherwise face complex legal challenges alone.
One case may seem small in the face of enormous challenges. But to the child or family receiving that help, it can mean everything.
Thank You to Our Volunteer Attorneys!
During National Celebrate Pro Bono Month, we extend our deepest gratitude to Rick and every attorney who shares their expertise, time, and compassion with JAMLAC.
Your commitment to justice strengthens our communities, protects vulnerable individuals, and helps create opportunities for brighter futures.
Interested in volunteering with JAMLAC?
We welcome attorneys who want to use their legal skills to make a meaningful difference. Whether you are experienced in immigration law or interested in learning more about opportunities to serve, we encourage you to connect with our team.
Visit https://jamlac.org/orig-pro-bono/ to learn more about volunteering and supporting our mission.
Justice and Mercy Legal Aid Center (JAMLAC)
20 Years of Seeking Justice for Those Who Struggle with Poverty and Oppression.