Carmen Gilbert – CAP Volunteer of the Month – August

Carmen Gilbert of Snell & Wilmer

Carmen grew up in Las Vegas, but upon graduation from high school, left the city to attend college and serve in the Peace Corps. Call it lady luck or destiny, life brought her back to Las Vegas and she has resided here since 2013.  Carmen finished law school in 2019 and recently celebrated her first year as a practicing attorney.

Carmen first became involved with Legal Aid through her firm, Snell & Wilmer- long-time supporters of LACSN.  Carmen learned that Snell & Wilmer highly values pro bono activity as an important professional responsibility and the firm strongly encourages its attorneys to commit at least 50 hours per year to some type of pro bono work.  Many of its attorneys do much more than that, and the firm has been honored as the 2019 Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year by LACSN.  Carmen has been deeply involved with our Children Attorney’s Program and has dedicated many hours of her time representing children in our foster system.

When asked why she does pro bono work, Carmen stated that this community has provided her with incredible opportunities and doing pro bono work is a chance for her to pay it forward.  We asked Carmen to share an anecdote about a particularly memorable client and how she was able to help. She stated that her first CAP client, an adorable and joyful toddler, was adopted by his foster family this past May. Carmen shared her excitement about being able to be a part of the process and to see him become a member of such a loving family.

Carmen chooses to give back to the most vulnerable in our community, demonstrating her dedication to public service. Through her example, it’s clear that we can achieve wonders and help to bring a glimmer of hope to many. We are thankful to have Carmen on our team, as she is ready and willing to be a voice for those who would otherwise be voiceless without her.