Short Bio: Where did you go to law school, What’s your firm?, How long have you been practicing law?
Gonzaga Law; Schweigert Law. I’ve been an attorney for 18 years.
Why do you volunteer? What’s your favorite part about volunteering?
I became a lawyer because I wanted to help people. Volunteering allows me the opportunity to help low/no income people who would otherwise have to try to navigate the legal process alone. I love helping people achieve their best outcomes.
What’s your experience with the VLP been like?
I have met and worked with some amazing people.
Do you have any tips for new volunteers? What are they?
Ask questions. Ask questions. And, oh yes. Ask more questions. If you are lawyering correctly, every single volunteer session should be as useful to you as a CLE. It is called the practice of law for a reason, so you should always be open to learning. Use other VLP volunteers as mentors. Listen to the judicial officers and court admin staff. Listen to what the clients tell you about what they are going through/have gone through.
Why would you recommend volunteering with the VLP?
It is a great way to meet amazing people, help deserving people, and learn more about the legal process.
Working with Karen Schweigert:
Karen Schweigert is one of many other attorney’s who love to help clients find the justice their looking for. Karen Schweigert is a hardworking, motivating, and friendly individual to know and work with. Working with Karen almost every week at Thursday’s Status Conference is amazing because she has so much knowledge, dedication and pride in her work, that shows throughout all the cases she has found justice for.