August 13, 2019

Kiva Zytnick

Catholic Law Pro Bono Coordinator Kiva K. Zytnick was highlighted in the "Meet a Colleague" feature in the Summer 2019 issue of the Pro Bono & Justice newsletter from the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Section on Pro Bono and Public Service Opportunities newsletter. Zytnick currently serves as the Section's Secretary and leading its Rhode and Drinan Awards Committee.

Below are some of the Q&As from her profile:

Please give a brief description of your school pro bono program or efforts?
And your role in making things happen. The mission of CUA Law’s Pro Bono Program is to help students develop the public service ethos they will need as a future lawyers by facilitating pro bono opportunities and celebrating the pro bono contributions of the CUA Law community. As the Pro Bono Coordinator, I connect students with pro bono opportunities, develop relationships and projects with legal service organizations, track student pro bono participation, promote the Pro Bono Program, host trainings and info sessions, collaborate with student leaders, and more! As a member of CUA Law’s Office of Career and Professional Development, I also advise students interested in pursuing public interest legal careers, public interest fellowships, and clerkships.

Why do you think this job is important?
Lawyers have a professional and ethical responsibility to use their legal skills to advance the public interest and increase access to justice. This duty begins in law school. Being the Pro Bono Coordinator at CUA Law is important, in part, because it is my job to instill this pro bono ethic in the next generation of lawyers, whether they are seeking a public interest career or not.

What special skills or attributes to you bring to it?
My background includes time working for a civil rights organization, a big law firm, a federal judge, and the Department of Justice. I hope this variety of experience helps me connect with students regardless of their career goals and match them with rewarding pro bono opportunities. 

Do you have a favorite quote? If yes, will you share it with us.
One of my favorite quotes is from Desmond Tutu: “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”