St. John’s University School of Law recently hosted its annual Pro Bono Working Lunch, bringing together alumni and students to provide legal guidance to low-income New Yorkers. The event is part of a series marking the National Celebration of Pro Bono in October and was organized by the Law School’s Public Interest Center, Public Interest Law Students Association, Mattone Family Institute for Real Estate Law, and Alumni Association Alumnae Leadership Council Chapter.

Participants worked in small teams responding to online questions submitted through the American Bar Association’s Free Legal Answers Program, which operates locally as New York Free Legal Answers under the New York State Bar Association. Topics addressed included employment, immigration, constitutional rights, estates and probate, and tenant’s rights.

Ruth Calaman ’98, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Evercore Wealth Management, participated alongside law students Andrew Jacobs ’28, Nethya Samarakkodige ’28, and Jianglin Wang ‘26LL.M. Calaman has maintained her commitment to public interest work through nonprofit service and pro bono efforts since graduating from St. John’s.

“The Pro Bono Working Lunch is one of the many ways our students and alumni live out St. John’s commitment to justice and service year-round,” said Jeanne Ortiz-Ortiz, Director of the Public Interest Center. “It’s a strong affirmation of why we do this work: because with the privilege of a legal education comes the duty to use it for good. Pro bono is how we transform that duty into action—and how we keep justice at the heart of what we do.”

Samarakkodige reflected on working with Calaman: “The experience affirmed the value and real-life impact public interest work can have. We reflected on the importance of addressing legal matters with empathy, considering the heavy burden certain legal situations can place on vulnerable communities. It reinforced the idea that it’s imperative to have empathy, compassion, and sensitivity to be an effective advocate.”

Jacobs added: “It was very special to see how an actual attorney would approach giving legal advice. It was sort of like seeing how a future version of myself might tackle those same issues. I’ll also carry forward the idea that diversity and teamwork is our strength as public interest law students and lawyers. Working in a team will always provide new avenues and answers to problems.”

Calaman noted her appreciation for hearing from students about their experiences in law school: “I always enjoy hearing the students’ impressions of law school and the legal profession,” she said. “One of the benefits from the day is learning from each other with the common goal of helping others.”

Dean Jelani Jefferson Exum commented on St. John’s approach: “This exciting initiative reflects what is so special about St. John’s Law—we foster a learning environment that extends beyond the classroom, built on collaboration and a deep commitment to meeting community needs.” She thanked all participants as well as Farrell Fritz, P.C., which sponsored the event, and Cornerstone Land Abstract for supporting onsite notarization services for student affidavits required by the New York Bar.