Meet Volunteer Attorney James Skill

James Skill

Dr. James Skill spends most of his day staring at a petri dish waiting to see what cells grow. An oncologic biochemist employed by IU, James researches recurrence rates and effects of immunosuppression on cancer.

And yet, after learning about Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic through College Park Church, James decided he would attend law school so that he could serve as a volunteer attorney in his free time. “Very few people need biochemistry help,” he says by way of explanation.

After working in research and academia for 20 years, James believed that law school would be a breezy new educational endeavor. “It was the hardest five years of my life,” he says now with a laugh.

James graduated and passed the bar. He then immediately contacted the Legal Clinic to begin volunteering. “I got sworn in on a Thursday and the [volunteer] training was on the following Tuesday,” he tells me. Since that day, James has served as a monthly volunteer intake attorney, meeting with new potential clients, hearing their stories, offering legal advice, and submitting their intakes to our review system.

During a period of two hours, James meets with four different people who are struggling with a variety of civil legal issues. He is especially pleased when he has the opportunity to help someone in that exact moment. “They come with family members. They usually come in pairs. And they walk away with a little bit more clarity than when they came,” he says.

James recalls one man who had a $1000 bill from T-Mobile. The man, whose first language was not English, was confused by his contract. “In half an hour, I was able to talk to T-Mobile and get them to reduce the bill and explain the circumstances,” James says. “I like those little moments of victory.”

Of course there are times when James simply doesn’t have the answer to someone’s questions. “In my lab, I can control everything. I control temperature and atmospheric pressure and pH,” he says. “The hardest thing is when I can’t help people and I feel the injustice. I have to remember I’m not God.”

These instances do not deter his efforts and he feels blessed to serve. In part, James pursued a law degree to enable his volunteering because he hopes to lead by example. “By doing it, my children get to see me doing it. It’s not just about words; it’s not just about putting money in the collection box. It’s about giving of your time.”

For new lawyers who are just starting their careers, James recommends seeking out similar volunteer opportunities. “The Clinic is a great way to give you access to people when you’re not worried about money,” he says. “I can actually spend time with these people. I think that’s a wonderful way to become a better lawyer.”

To learn more about our volunteer opportunities, please visit our website.