Morgan Richie’s role as an immigration project attorney at Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN) is more than just a job for her. It’s a calling that reminds her why she went to law school in the first place.
The Minneapolis-based nonprofit provides free legal assistance, representation, education, and referrals to individuals who are experiencing poverty. Richie, who joined VLN in June, sees her work as part of a larger mission to ensure that those who are underprivileged or underrepresented have a fair chance at justice.
“We talked in our law classes about attorneys having a duty to justice, and that includes making sure that those who are underprivileged or underrepresented have a fair shot,” Richie said, reflecting on the reason she became a lawyer.
A Calling to Immigration Law
Richie’s journey to immigration law was a thoughtful one. Originally unsure of what path to take after graduation, she found herself drawn to the field after learning about the immigration system in one of her Spanish classes. Her connection to immigration went beyond academics, as her sister’s husband is from Baghdad, and her partner hails from Cameroon. Richie’s interest in the complexities of the system grew, and after volunteering as a legal advocate at a nonprofit in Seattle, she decided to apply to law school. It was a decision that she feels was the right one for her.
“I had no idea what I wanted to do after I graduated, but after volunteering, I realized I wanted to do more,” Richie said. “Law school was the next step, and I am very happy with that choice.”
Teaching and Volunteering: A Fulfillment of Purpose
Richie’s role at VLN not only involves providing legal services to clients but also extends to education. She recently finished teaching a Legal Methods course for first-semester law students at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. This teaching experience reflects Richie’s passion for sharing knowledge and contributing to the education of future legal professionals.
Her dedication to giving back extends to encouraging others to join the fight for justice. Richie hopes that her experience can inspire private attorneys to volunteer with VLN, even if just for a half-day clinic or by taking on a single case. “It would help them get away from the nitty-gritty and remember why they went to law school,” she added.
The Challenges of Immigration Law
While Richie’s passion for her work is clear, it’s not without its challenges. One of the major obstacles she faces at VLN is capacity. With so many clients in need of legal services, there are often not enough resources to go around. The political climate surrounding immigration can make things even more difficult, with misinformation and political grandstanding adding pressure to the already complicated process.
“Immigration is subject to this political environment, the grandstanding, and the misinformation,” she said. “It’s really detrimental and makes life harder for those who need help the most.”
Despite these challenges, Richie finds fulfillment in helping people navigate a complex system. Even if VLN can’t offer direct assistance, providing clients with knowledge and information can make a huge difference.
“Having some answers can be so impactful, and I love being part of that process,” she said.
Personal Life: Balancing Work and Hobbies
Away from her work, Richie enjoys reading and quilting. She also cherishes the time she spends with her niece and two nephews, who recently moved back to the Twin Cities area. Richie’s passion for helping others extends beyond her professional life, as she finds joy in making time for the people she loves.
“I enjoy quilting, and my niece and nephews mean the world to me,” she shared. “They’ve recently moved back to the area, and it’s great to have them close by again.”
Why Morgan Richie is an Inspiration
Richie’s work with VLN is an inspiring reminder of how one person can make a difference in the lives of many. Her passion for immigration law, dedication to educating others, and commitment to justice reflect her deep belief in making the world a better place. Her work serves as a testament to the importance of volunteerism in the legal profession and the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities alike.
In her own words, “Even if we can’t solve every problem, we can help people feel heard and give them the information they need. That’s what keeps me going every day.”
Whether through her legal work, teaching, or volunteer efforts, Morgan Richie continues to demonstrate the power of using one’s skills and knowledge for the betterment of others.
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