The Attorney of the Month for July is

Denice Shepherd.  Denice has been

a member of the VLP in Pima County

for thirteen years and has represented

pro bono clients in domestic and

probate matters.  She also participates

in several clinics organized by the VLP

to assist pro per litigants.  Denice is

always professional and patient with

VLP clients.  She has never declined

to assist a pro bono client when called

upon by VLP staff.  The VLP’s monthly

award is a distinct honor: of the 1200

attorneys who volunteer their time with VLP, only 12 receive the VLP’s

Outstanding Pro Bono Attorney award each year. 

 

Q&A with Denice Shepherd:

 

Where are you from?

I was born in Texas and moved around a lot as a child.  

 

Where did you go to college and law school?

I have a Bachelor's With Distinction from the University of Nebraska‑Lincoln and

a JD from University of Arizona.

 

How long have you lived in Tucson?

I moved here in 1981 to go to law school.

 

What is the history of your practice of law?

I have done a little of everything:  criminal defense, personal injury, domestic,

business, elder law.

 

What are your current practice areas?

Elder law.

 

What drives you to volunteer with VLP?

Socorro calling me on the phone.  You cannot say no to her.

 

Anyone you would like to acknowledge for contributing to your legal

career / pro bono service?

Arizona Women Lawyer's Association. I have met so many wonderful women

lawyers who were so helpful.  Early in my career I was the AWLA representative

appointed to the Legal Services Committee.  That committee introduced me to

the benefits of pro bono service. 

 

One reason you would encourage attorneys to volunteer with VLP ?

It is such a privilege to be a lawyer in Arizona that I believe all lawyers have the

responsibility to give back some of the benefits we receive.

 

Favorite Tucson restaurant?