Back to school…in Mexico City

Walking down the corridors of Universidad Panamericana, Mexico city, I had a thrill of nervousness I hadn’t ever experienced before. This time, I wasn't doing the learning. I was doing the teaching.

A few months prior when I had agreed to teach about pro bono at several law schools in Mexico City, it was an easy decision. But now that I was facing the prospect of a full classroom of young and ambitious lawyers, the reality of the situation was quite daunting.

Sure enough though once the classes commenced the lessons progressed with interest and enthusiasm. Together with Lisa Dewey, Pro Bono Partner based in Washington DC and Director of New Perimeter, we delivered several two hour courses to law students on pro bono around the world. The course was one of four that DLA Piper colleagues were delivering as part of a New Perimeter project with Mexico Appleseed aimed at strengthening a culture of pro bono in Mexico. In our lessons we spoke about why pro bono is important, ways of getting involved in pro bono and structures to help promote and support pro bono. By far the best part of the courses was listening to the students. For some, pro bono was a new concept. We explored the philosophy behind pro bono in the legal profession and the business case for pro bono. Others, however, already volunteered at their university's pro bono clinics. They had stories to share about helping disadvantaged individuals who would otherwise face separation from their family or incarceration. They were quietly and humbly dedicating their spare time to public service through their legal skills, often without their peers knowing or seeking any recognition.

The days were big but brilliant.

Impressed. I was impressed by the dedication of the students. The courses like most of their lessons were scheduled very early in the morning and late at night, allowing the students to work the entire of day mostly at law firms. To be engaged in lessons at these times and balancing their substantial workloads as they did was nothing short of impressive.

Inspired. The students asked questions, contributed to the discussion and stayed after class to talk more. It was fabulous to feel they were engaging with the subject matter and thinking about ways and means that they could get involved in local pro bono projects. So too was I inspired by the staff of Mexico Appleseed, the local NGO we worked with to arrange and deliver the courses. The sense of purpose, passion and professionalism displayed by the Mexico Appleseed staff was admirable and inspirational. I will also be eternally grateful to them for introducing me to chilaquiles.

Although I arrived to do the teaching, I think on reflection, I did just as much learning. Through spending time with the students, teachers and staff at Mexico Appleseed, I learned about a fantastic culture that, like every other, faces considerable challenges meeting unmet legal needs but which is working hard to rise to the challenge. I was reminded of the importance of pro bono and again convinced of the necessity to engage law students in pro bono as early as possible. As the next generation of lawyers, much hope rests on their shoulders.

Professionally and personally, it was a wonderful experience. Muchas gracias, Mexico.