"My clients' wishes were always the driving force, and if there was anything that I could do to get as close as possible to the clients' wishes, that was a win."
For our Pro Bono Spotlight, we are highlighting Alexis Golling, an associate at Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, who was a Stay Housed L.A. Pro Bono Fellow at LAFLA in 2021. Alexis engaged in extensive motion practices and appeared in hearings in Los Angeles Superior Court. She often negotiated on behalf of clients to resolve cases prior to trial.
Alexis considered her time at LAFLA as very valuable in building up both her level of expertise as a young attorney and her confidence as well. She “appeared dozens of times in court for motion hearings, evidentiary hearings, and settlement conferences” and “made arguments both in-person and virtually.” Her favorite part of working as a Stay Housed L.A. Fellow was realizing that she was a part of something much greater: the fight for equitable outcomes for vulnerable tenants. She says that every time she attended a training with senior attorneys, “It would awaken the sense of purpose of what it means to be an eviction lawyer and defend the rights of many underprivileged and vulnerable people during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic.”
Alexis is incredibly proud of being able to have a long list of clients whom she was able to “advocate for fiercely.” One of her most memorable cases was when she was able to win over a challenging opposing counsel and unreasonable plaintiff by presenting a strong argument to a trial judge. The case was settled with a positive result for Alexis’ client. In addition, she was also able to secure a large relocation assistance package for a client, after the client became widowed during the COVID-19 crisis. “My clients’ wishes were always the driving force, and if there was anything that I could do to get as close as possible to the clients’ wishes, that was a win,” said Alexis, reflecting on her biggest accomplishments.
On Alexis’ contributions to the Stay Housed L.A. team, Jeff Uno, Managing Attorney of LAFLA’s Eviction Defense Center, says, “She worked very well with the other members of the LAFLA team, building lasting relationships among the staff. She will be truly missed here at LAFLA.”
Thank you, Alexis, for all your hard work!
If you would like to get involved as a volunteer for LAFLA, email probono@lafla.org or visit our Get Involved section to learn about pro bono opportunities.
