By Michele Mirto

 

Every month, Southern Arizona

Legal Aid’s Volunteer Lawyers

Program (VLP) recognizes an

attorney for his or her efforts

and contributions to the program. 

The VLP’s monthly award is a

distinct honor: of the 1220

attorneys who volunteer their

time with the VLP, only 12 receive the VLP’s Outstanding Pro Bono Attorney

Award each year.

 

Rob Ferrier was selected to receive the Outstanding Pro Bono Attorney of the

Month Award for May 2010.  Rob has been a member of the VLP in Pima

County for five years.  During that time, he has represented clients in domestic

relations and domestic violence matters.  Recently, Rob expanded his

participation in the VLP when he joined the ranks of volunteers that participate

in the VLP’s Self-Service Center Project. Through the project Rob supervises

law students as they meet with pro per litigants at Superior Court.  The

volunteers help clients calculate child support, draft motions and prepare for

trial.  Rob has never declined to assist a client when called upon by the VLP. 

 

Q & A with Rob Ferrier

 

Where are you from?  I’ve been in Tucson for twenty-two years.  Before that,

almost all of my family lived in the Philadelphia area.

 

Where did you go to college?  Here.

 

Where did you go to law school?  Here.

 

What are your current practice areas?  Family law, personal injury and

insurance bad faith.

 

What drives you to volunteer with VLP?  Abraham Lincoln said lawyers have

a responsibility to be public citizens.  I think it is important that those to who

much is given, give back.

 

Anyone you would like to acknowledge for contributing to your legal

career/pro bono service?  My wife for making me a better person.  Also, for

reminding me that I have a lot to give my community.  My partner for teaching

me that the law is about far more than just being right.  He’s taught me the

difference between someone licensed to practice law and an actual

professional.

 

A great anecdote from your VLP experiences?  Being physically threatened

during my first ever deposition would be near the top of the list.

 

One reason you would encourage attorneys to volunteer with VLP?

Because people need your help.  And because you can help them.