Christina Scott spent 20 years teaching writing and research at the undergraduate level before deciding she wasn’t done with her own education. Law school was always something that interested her, and she set aside the time once her kids were grown.
The opportunity to do clinical work played a big factor in her decision to attend Georgia State Law. At the time, she never imagined practicing law. Instead, she saw herself as a researcher.
After two semesters in the Health Law Partnership (HeLP) Legal Services Clinic, her desired career path had changed.
“I joked from the beginning that I was never going away, they were going to have to hire me, and it turns out there was a position,” said Scott.
In October 2018, she received an offer as part of a grant to become a staff attorney with HeLP at the Center for Advanced Pediatrics, the partnership’s first outpatient-only branch. The center helps children when they’re not in the hospital or an emergent situation.
“I am not going to capitol hill to change policy, but I am going to sit down with one person and say, ‘what can I do for you today?’” said Scott. “I am able to make those connections and if I was stuck in the bottom of a library somewhere I don’t think I’d feel complete in my new career.”
The non-hospital model has so far been a success, as Scott’s role has changed from being funded by a grant to a full-time legal aid position faster than expected. While HeLP works with clients on a variety of legal issues, as a former educator, Scott enjoys one type of case particularly.
“Working to keep kids in school is my favorite thing,” she said. “We work to make sure that these kids are getting educated and we work to help them secure their benefits so their parents can stay home and take care of them. It’s just amazing.”
Written by Mara Thompson