Elliott Tait is currently a 2L, taking Wills, Trusts and Estates, Constitutional Law II, Problems in Professional Responsibility, Transnational Law, and Poverty Law at the University of South Carolina School of Law. He is also a member of the Pro Bono Board and the Moot Court Bar.
When asked about his favorite class, Eliott replied “I really enjoy Poverty Law, taught by Professor Patterson. It’s a class that analyzes the major policies relating to the poor, and it has certainly opened my eyes to the good things that government has been able to facilitate as well as the many things they could improve upon.”
While at the law school, he has checked in from time to time with Pamela DeFanti Robinson, the school’s Pro Bono Program Director. Through this program, he has been able to volunteer in a number of ways, with a memorable volunteer experience teaching a few CHOICES classes at the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). The curriculum is meant to give the kids in DJJ practical and accessible knowledge of the law. In particular, Elliott references the day he taught a lesson on law enforcement. At the beginning of the class the kids were very cynical and even hostile toward anything surrounding the idea of police officers. By the end of the class, however, a few of the kids were able to really put themselves in the shoes of police officers and begin to understand the reasons behind their conduct. The simple acknowledgment that “maybe cops aren’t as bad as I think” was a huge victory.
Currently, he is providing Pro Bono assistance by working with the South Carolina Access to Justice Commission’s Self-Represented Litigant Committee under the supervision of Stephanie Nye, Counsel to the Chief Justice. This Committee is working to implement the state’s first self-help centers, which will provide resources to self-represented litigants. Specifically Elliott is helping to draft and edit self-help centers’ guidelines. Additionally he is also drafting a resource list which contains relevant contact information and links to resources that for self-represented litigants.
When asked whether this particular Pro Bono experience has given him any surprises, he noted “I have been surprised at the level of opposition to self-help centers in some counties. I understand some feelings of caution about the idea, but outright opposition is surprising.”
He continued “I have learned about the real value in providing services to self-represented litigants. It’s a shame that South Carolina is many years behind other states in providing such services.”
Elliott also noted that his pro bono experience working with the SC Access to Justice Commission “has simply reaffirmed that the practice of law is a great way to serve others, as there is great need.”
As to his future?
“At this stage I see myself going into some form of public service.”
And what would he tell other law students about his experience?
“Pro Bono work has always been interesting, unique, challenging, and rewarding. It has really enriched my law school experience, and I plan to make it a significant part of my professional career.”
-RFW
