KCMBF’s Military Matters is proud to shine the May Pro Bono Spotlight on Michaela Marine!
We spoke with Michaela about her volunteerism and what enables her to help her clients at McFarland Law Group.
When did you get involved with Military Matters?
I believe I got involved in 2022.
Who or what catalyzed your desire to work in the legal field?
Funny story. I decided I wanted to be a lawyer when I was in the 3rd grade. We were doing a civics lesson and were learning about the three branches of government. When we got to the judicial branch our teacher had us put on a trial of the three little pigs and big bad wolf. I was a part of the wolf's legal team. The whole process was really fun for me! So, I guess all the credit goes to Ms. Demarea at Morse Elementary!
Can you depict a rewarding experience you’ve had while providing counsel to a client?
I cannot think of a specific time but overall, I think I just appreciate the opportunity to try to put people's minds at ease. I know that anytime someone has to be involved in a legal matter it is scary no matter what. I just hope that I can help relieve some of that stress for people.
What provides you with fortitude when managing a dense caseload?
I just remind myself that everyone is human, and we are all just trying our best. I try to be understanding with my clients and acknowledge that I am experiencing them at one of the lowest times in their lives.
How would you encourage a peer to volunteer their time and services to a pro or low bono legal aid service?
It's very easy to get wrapped up in our own lives and problems and it can sometimes overwhelm us, get us down, etc. Volunteering can help provide some perspective and help make our own issues not seem so big. I think this not only improves our community with the work we are doing, but also helps our own individual mental health.