Week 1: National Lawyer’s Guild Culture

Having just completed my first week at the National Lawyers Guild, I have begun to gain greater insight into the values and culture of the organization. Through research prior to my start date and conversations with my supervisor, I was aware that the bar association is very progressive and liberal in their agenda. However, I was unsure of how this would translate into their stances on certain issues. Arriving at the office on the first day, I immediately noticed posters and signs in the front window of the nontraditional office, which is located in a Victorian style house in the Mission District of San Francisco. The signs featured slogans such as “The Rent is TOO damn high” and “I believe in homes for all” and espoused certain mayoral candidates. The building was donated to the National Lawyers Guild by one of the wealthier members of the organization and the organization now rents out other rooms to social justice organizations doing work for prisoner advocacy and low income renters. I was slightly intimidated when I noticed a sign on the door to my office which said “No Fascists or Nazis allowed.” I was nervous about whether I would fit in with this culture or whether I would feel pressured to conform to the progressive agenda.

My nerves were eased as I conversed with my supervisor, Jay, who seems to be very level headed and willing to mentor me. She is new to her role as Executive Director and was very candid with me as she explained that she is in the process of revitalizing the organization. She told me that some of the members became disgruntled by the old management but she is trying to encourage them to become active and organize to take action for the causes they believe in through their  ability to practice the law. I am eager to observe how her transformational approach will pan out but from observing, I have found that people have responded positively to her relationship oriented leadership style.

One of the tasks I worked on this week was to organize a spreadsheet of members who are available as on-call attorneys when protestors in the area are arrested. Through doing this, I gained a greater understanding of the organization’s role. Essentially, it serves as a way for lawyers from all different sects to do pro bono work for the causes they are passionate about. While I may not agree with the progressive stances on every topic, I am excited to use this opportunity to learn more about the important moral issues of our time – such as immigration and free speech.