In conversation with Caroline Fish

What inspired you during the project?

I was inspired most by the ripple effect of the training. The DLA lawyers who traveled from all around the world to lead the training were passionate about the project and so knowledgeable in their subject areas. They spent significant time preparing and carrying out the training despite other commitments and were fully present for the trainees. The trainees themselves were engaged and got very involved in the simulations. Nearly everyone reported they would carry the skills learned over into their work and the teams they work in. Many specifically mentioned they would bring back what they learned to their superiors or use their knowledge to train others, including law students and young lawyers. The fact that the expertise shared would continue to multiply and benefit others beyond the immediate four walls of the training room was inspiring and showed me how the training has an impact beyond what we immediately could see while we were there in Kenya.  

What was the most fulfilling aspect of the work?

It was fulfilling to hear from students that they felt the training was helpful and needed. It felt like we were truly being of service to our pro bono client. It also felt very meaningful to have had the opportunity to meet some of the great legal minds of East Africa and learn about the issues they are struggling to address in their own countries, as well as build relationships with them; I did not expect it but I got so many hugs from participants on the last day of the training – and was pulled into so many selfies! Everyone was laughing and sharing moments, feeling pride in completing the training, and expressing happiness at having been there to meet each other and learn from each other.

What one word describes your trip?

Community. The training for me deepened my sense of our DLA community and global pro bono community as I met and spent time with firm lawyers, organizations, and people from around the world.

About Caroline Fish

Caroline is an associate in DLA Piper's New York office.

Full bio

"The fact that the expertise shared would continue to multiply and benefit others beyond the immediate four walls of the training room was inspiring and showed me how the training has an impact beyond what we immediately could see while we were there in Kenya."