For Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the women attorneys who dedicate their time and skills to pro bono work. These attorneys not only make a real difference in the lives of their clients, but they also find deep personal and professional fulfillment in the process. One such attorney is Anne Shevlin, a dedicated SALSA volunteer who has found her work with pro bono clients both meaningful and transformative.
Finding the Right Place to Serve
Anne’s commitment to pro bono work was shaped early on in law school, where she learned the importance of using her legal skills to serve the community. But as a San Antonio transplant, she wasn’t sure where to start. That changed when she saw that SALSA would be presenting at a Women’s Bar Association Luncheon.
“I knew I had to attend,” Anne recalls. “That day, I connected with Sarah Dingivan and Whitney Thomas from SALSA, and based on my experience with family law, special education, and guardianship, they suggested I might be a good fit for the MAC Legal Advice Clinic.”
That conversation set her on a path toward meaningful pro bono service. “I wanted to help, but wasn’t sure how to get involved. Meeting Sarah and Whitney gave me the opportunity I had been looking for.”
The Reward of a Resolved Case
For Anne, finishing a case always feels good—but there’s something special about helping a pro bono client finally find resolution.
“I love the feeling I get every time I finish a case,” she says. “That feeling is even sweeter when the case is pro bono.”
Anne has seen firsthand how many clients have struggled with their legal issues for years before finally getting the help they need. “Oftentimes, the pro bono client has been struggling with their legal issue for years, and their relief to finally have a resolution is contagious.”
That moment of relief and gratitude is what keeps her coming back.
How Pro Bono Rekindled a Passion for Justice
Practicing law can sometimes feel far removed from the big-picture ideals of justice that inspire attorneys to enter the profession in the first place. For Anne, pro bono work serves as a reminder of why she became a lawyer.
“Sometimes the concept of justice is lost in the day-to-day practice of law,” she shares. “Pro bono clients and their cases present the opportunity to make a difference, do what is right, and feed one’s soul at the same time.”
Taking on these cases brings her back to the enthusiasm and purpose she felt in law school. “These cases transport me back to my idealistic law school days and remind me of why I chose this profession in the first place.”
Advice for Women Attorneys Looking to Get Involved
Anne’s message to other women attorneys is simple: there is always a way to give back.
“I would encourage them to share their good fortune with others. There are so many ways to give back, and SALSA provides the training, screens the cases, and has subject matter experts available to assist as needed.”
She highlights how flexible pro bono opportunities can be, making it easy for attorneys to find a way to contribute that fits their schedule. “If you only have a few hours, you can staff a clinic. If you prefer a deep dive with one individual client, you can take on an extended representation matter. There is literally something for everyone!”
With so many ways to engage, pro bono work isn’t just a way to serve—it’s also an opportunity to grow, reconnect with your purpose, and make a lasting impact.
If you’re a woman attorney looking for a meaningful way to give back, join SALSA and make a difference today. Learn more about our available pro bono opportunities here.