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December 2008
Volunteer work takes attorney to court, across border
KAREN FULLENWIDER
kfullenwider@bizjournals.com
Lorena Chavez is a commercial litigation attorney with Phoenix law fi rm
Engelman Berger PC, and one of 74 lawyers who volunteers as a guide with Maricopa County Superior Court’s Courthouse Experience Program.
The program, in its 18th year, gives students in grades six grade through college a glimpse of downtown Phoenix courts. Volunteer attorneys lead tours that include visits with judges and staff, observations of court proceedings, and visits to the jury assembly room and the law library.
Chavez also takes her volunteer work outside courtroom walls, collecting clothing for the citizens of Mexicali, Mexico. She was reared in Yuma and her parents own a home in Mexico.
“I basically grew up in both countries — in the richest country in the world and in its impoverished neighbor, Mexico. It was very easy to notice the vast economic differences between the two,” she said.
How did you get involved in the Courthouse Experience Program?
“A colleague of mine, Brad Pack, recommended that I get involved. He had given a tour the prior year and really enjoyed the experience.”
Have there been any surprises?
“I gave a tour for a group of sixth-graders to watch a criminal trial in Judge Margaret Mahoney’s courtroom. Judge Mahoney was gracious enough to talk to the children before the trial began to explain the judicial system and answer any questions. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of sophistication the children displayed in their questions for the judge. The children were already very knowledgeable about the judicial system — they knew vastly more than I did at their age.”
What were the students’ reactions?
“I think the children really enjoyed being in a courtroom and watching a real trial. We left before the trial ended and met outside the courtroom to discuss the testimony a police offi cer had just given on cross-examination. The children were asked why they thought specifi
c questions were asked. By the children’s answers and follow-up questions, it was evident that they followed and understood the testimony as well as any juror.”
You are involved in efforts to help impoverished people in Mexicali. What does that work entail, and how did you become involved?
“I am originally from Yuma, which is very close to the border with Mexico. My parents still have a house in Mexico that we visited frequently. As soon as I began earning some money as a freshman (at Arizona State University) during Christmastime, I would
buy winter clothes for young children in Mexico.
“Then, a few years ago, I was in my parents’ home in Mexico watching the news. This very disturbing story described the number of deaths associated with the harsh winter that year in Mexico. The news anchor asked for donations of blankets. I thought I could do my part by holding a clothing drive at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. “I received so many winter clothes and blankets that I could barely fi t them into my car. I drove to Mexicali and dropped off the donations with a government agency in Mexicali called DIF that distributes food and clothes to its poorest citizens.”
You are fluent in Spanish. Has that helped you?
“I think it’s great to know a second, third or fourth language. I think knowing Spanish is a plus, especially living in Arizona. Children in other countries grow
up learning three or four languages. I think
we could learn a little from them. “
WANTED: LAWYERS
WHAT: The Courthouse Experience Program
GOAL: Means to give students an inside look at the judicial system, according to Karin Philips, special programs coordinator with Maricopa County Superior Court. “Many students come seeking a reality-show scenario and end up experiencing how the law really works and how it affects everyone involved with a particular matter It’s very eye-opening to many of our young visitors,” she said.
NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS: 74. The number varies from year to year. Last year, 50 volunteered to give tours. A few years ago, there were 130. NEXT TOUR: Dec. 12. Tours will resume in mid-January, once students return from holiday break.
WHAT VOLUNTEERS DO: Attorneys speak directly to the teacher or parent in charge of the class to determine the tour’s focus. The court discourages younger groups from attending family court matters and gruesome criminal matters. “Not everything that goes on here is as glamorous or predictable as what is portrayed on television, but actual reallife
situations. ... To see them really paying attention to what is taking place in the
courtroom — you get a sense that they are understanding how the rule of law works,” Philips said.
TO VOLUNTEER: Karin Philips, 602-506-5083.
Engelman Berger, P.C. The focus of Engelman Berger, P.C. is the resolution of legal issues arising in business. A large portion of the firm’s practice is related to resolution of disputes arising in the United States Bankruptcy Court, where the firm regularly appears representing creditors, trustees, debtors, lessors, and those interested in purchasing assets. In addition, the firm has an active commercial litigation practice, water rights practice, and real estate transaction practice. The firm regularly represents lenders in loan documentation and loan workouts, and closely held businesses as general legal counsel, helping business owners resolve a myriad of legal issues. The firm also assists in new business entity formations, and in resolving business related disputes regarding commercial leases, ownership issues, real estate, and other issues. Listening to the client’s goals, spirited representation in legal disputes, and creative resolutions make up the foundation to this firm.
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