Matt Gurr, Pro Bono Champion
In the pursuit of making a tangible impact on communities, Matt Gurr's journey intertwines professional expertise with heartfelt dedication. As a seasoned Associate at Davis Wright Tremaine, specializing in construction and litigation, Matt's commitment extends beyond the courtroom to the communities served by LCYC.
Matt first connected with LCYC when he attended a training session hosted by LCYC on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) petitions, led by Pro Bono Manager, Lu Jiang. Immediately captivated by the opportunity to make a difference, Matt signed up to volunteer even before the training ended. For him, the chance to utilize his law degree to directly impact the lives of undocumented youth was both inspiring and fulfilling.
Since late September of 2023, Matt has dedicated his time and expertise to LCYC, working closely with Lu and the team. Matt's dedication to serving others propelled him to dive into the complexities of immigration law with empathy and diligence.
Through his volunteer work, Matt has engaged in collaborative projects that have yielded tangible results. Working alongside dedicated colleagues, he found joy in the camaraderie and the opportunity to meet and empathize with clients. The process of drafting petitions and guiding clients through their legal journey has been deeply rewarding for Matt. As he reflects, “Being able to hear their stories and to better empathize with their circumstances, and to see all the clients had gone through in the effort…to relocate to the United States, and for myself to be sort of a small part of that process, I've found really rewarding.”
What sets LCYC apart, according to Matt, is the hands-on support provided by Lu and the organization. Unlike other experiences where volunteers may feel adrift, LCYC ensures that volunteers feel supported every step of the way. From regular check-ins to responsive assistance, the LCYC team ensures a smooth and fulfilling volunteer experience. As he attests: “Props to LCYC, I think that there was never a moment where anyone in our groups felt like they were in uncharted waters by themselves. I've never felt like there was a moment that I couldn't reach out to Lu and get a response within a day or so.”
Matt's professional and personal skills have been invaluable in his volunteer work. From client interactions to drafting legal documents, his expertise has made a significant impact on the success of each youth. As he continues his journey with LCYC, Matt envisions further collaboration and expansion of services to help even more individuals in need.
For Matt, the most rewarding aspect of volunteering with LCYC is the opportunity to help people in their pursuit of a better life. Hearing the stories of resilience and perseverance from clients fuels his dedication to the cause. He urges others to volunteer, emphasizing the transformative impact it can have on both volunteers and those they serve.
Matt's journey with LCYC exemplifies the power of volunteering to effect positive change in the lives of vulnerable communities. His commitment, combined with the support of organizations like LCYC, serves as a beacon of hope for a brighter, more equitable future.