In 2011, Pesek Law as we know it now did not yet exist. I was a young lawyer, fluent in Spanish, who believed in my community and the restorative power of justice. The legal scene in South Omaha at the time was marred by unethical practices. People thought they were getting help–they were desperately trying to pay for that help–and they were just being scammed by those who should have known better.

I saw people struggling with really simple things. Because they had immigrated to the United States, language was a barrier. Finances were a barrier. Families in my community were suffering and I didn’t believe it had to be that way.

I also believed I could make a difference.

That year marked the beginning of the free legal clinic that has now been going strong for more than 12 years. Located in the parish offices of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 23rd and O Streets, the clinic is just a stone’s throw from our law office in the heart of South Omaha. Every Monday night, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (though volunteers often stay late to meet with everyone who comes), our doors are open to all on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The setting is humble, but the services rendered can be life-changing. Our attorneys, all Spanish speakers, offer consultations to every person seeking guidance on a variety of topics.

 

• “I got this official looking letter in the mail and I don’t know what it says.”
• “I just arrived from Guatemala and I need to find a school for my kid.”
• “I need to apply for residency.”
• “I need to change my name.”
• “How do I get a divorce?”
• “How do I get a restraining order?”

 

Although it might come as a surprise, I have experienced what it’s like to be an immigrant. Everybody looks differently than you and everybody speaks differently than you. When I lived in Mexico City, people would stop and take pictures of me on the street because I looked so different from everybody else. This memory drives me to connect with everyone I meet on a human level. We are all just people.

At the beginning of every consultation, I say, “how can I help you? Como le puedo servir?” More often than not, people are asking for small things–at least things that seem small to me. But that simple translation of a letter, that basic advice, that bit of correct information, can be monumental in solving the problem they are facing.

As a result of these humble meetings, I am able to walk down the street and see families who avoided being broken apart by deportations. People we assisted in getting immigration status. People we’ve helped get compensated after work injuries or car crashes. And I know we did something that was important for a family and important for our community. As a result of these meetings and the results of our work, we are proud to see former clients.

Today, with more Spanish-speaking volunteer attorneys, we’re able to help even more families. We are honored to be joined in our efforts by Julia Cryne and Larry Jarvis, both immigration law experts fromCarlson and Blakeman LLC. Deanna Piña, joins us as a Family Law attorney from the Nebraska Legal Group. Pesek Law’s own Daniel Martin also joins the ranks as an accident and insurance bad faith lawyer.

The attorneys who volunteer at our free legal clinic are equipped to provide general advice across a broad spectrum. When necessary, we guide individuals to appropriate non-profits or private services. Attorneys may also choose to take a case outside the clinic if the individual wishes to hire them.

But this isn’t about selling ourselves or our firms. Always, our primary aim is to ensure our community has access to accurate and reliable legal advice, in a way they understand. For Pesek Law, the free legal clinic is more than a hub of legal consultations, it’s a cornerstone of community trust and education. We’re working to create meaningful interaction between legal professionals and community members.

We hope this effort is a reflection of our deep-rooted commitment to serve and empower our community. It is certainly one of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to transparency and ethical practice, to justice and community service.

If you have questions about the free legal clinic, please contact Pesek Law at (402) 342-9684 or visit us online at www.PesekLaw.com.

 

By Ross Pesek