CLAUDIA:
Tell me about your legal background?
I’ve been licensed to practice law since 2007, so I’ve been a lawyer for quite a few years now. I’ve had a variety of jobs, but mostly in government areas as an attorney. Some of my career highlights are when I worked at the Chicago Housing Authority, where we worked on behalf of the Chicago Housing Authority, prosecuting violations of family obligations. I also worked for the state of Illinois as an administrative law judge with the Department of Human Services. We reviewed cases where individuals in Illinois were denied benefits such as SNAP or funeral assistance for their loved ones. We were in charge of reviewing all the appeals, conducting hearings over the phone, and issuing decisions on whether we thought that the state of Illinois had improperly denied people’s benefits or whether the denial should be upheld. I also worked at the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, researching issues with attorneys.
How long have you been at CARPLS? What drew you to CARPLS?
I’ve been at CARPLS since 2023. What really drew my attention to it was the opportunity to connect with clients, speak to people about their legal issues, and help empower them to feel more in control over things happening in their lives that can be stressful. So, that’s what really attracted me to working here and applying for this position: the idea of being able to assist and empower people.
What does it mean to you to be a Latina working in the legal field?
It means a lot to me. My parents immigrated from Mexico in the 1970s. Back when they came here, there weren’t organizations like CARPLS or probably that many social service organizations to assist them. It means a lot to me that now, with new waves of immigrants coming to our city, I am able to assist them. It makes me think of my family background, and now I can give back to others who are in a completely new environment and looking for assistance. So, it means a lot to me to be able to communicate with people in Spanish and help the Spanish-speaking community.
How do you feel your work impacts our Latine clients?
I think it helps give people a sense of ease and relieves some of the stress their situation is causing them. I hope my impact helps people feel a little bit better about their situation, feel empowered, or believe that things will get better. I often find myself telling them that it’s okay; they’ll get through this. Take some deep breaths. I think of us as legal advocates, but sometimes we’re also like a crisis hotline, helping people through their most desperate times. I believe people really appreciate the work we do here.
NANCY:
Tell me about your legal background?
I have 15 years of experience working as a paralegal. Before joining CARPLS, I worked with an attorney who specialized in Social Security Disability.
How long have you been at CARPLS? What drew you to CARPLS?
I’ve always had a passion for helping people. That’s one of the main reasons why I’ve been at CARPLS for 12 years, as it aligns with my values of providing support and assistance to those in need.
What does it mean to you to be a Latina working in the legal field?
Being a Latina in the legal field provides a sense of pride and purpose. I am able to advocate for my community and bring a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges many Latinos face.
How do you feel your work impacts our Latine clients?
As a Latina paralegal, I am able to advocate and ensure that justice is accessible to everyone, especially those who are underrepresented.
