PLC Volunteer Attorney of the Year Deborah Mallgrave embodies the essence of pro bono work. Deborah has handled dozen of cases herself, created a program teaching young associates the ropes in cases that help aspiring Americans obtain legal status, and doesn't even seem aware of her own impact and extraordinary dedication.

Initially tapped by Snell & Wilmer partner, and PLC board member, Rick Derevan, to act as liaison to PLC, Deborah spent a couple of years matching law center clients with Snell attorneys. "That worked, but I realized there was more we could do. It was just a question of really, of what made sense for PLC clients and my colleagues."

A simple answer worked: Mallgrave figured out a way to provide invaluable hands-on legal experience for summer associates, who help wade through the glut of U-Visa applicants assisted by the PLC. The summer associates handle the initial client meetings and paperwork. The work is detailed, can be disturbing and often life-changing for the clients. "It's a long application process and declaration," says Deborah, "but it's perfect for summer associates. "They can do most of the work in about six weeks, they are face- to-face with clients who desperately need their services, and we can help more people this way."

Since most U Visa cases can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months to resolve, the stepped- up summer program led to a greater commitment firm-wide. Five associates now step in to shepherd pending cases that summer associates initiate. Often, Mallgrave says, her colleagues get hooked when they realize how much they have helped a family or an individual. "Sadly, many of these client's stories are not that unusual," says Mallgrave. "But when it hits your desk and you meet with the clients and hear the details, it feels very real."

Now Mallgrave finds her colleagues will take a case, take a breather once it's resolved and after a few weeks seek her out looking for a new PLC case. "After a break, most come by and ask me what I've got," says Mallgrave referring to the case list sent over by PLC staff attorneys every two weeks. "And if they don't come to me after a while," she says with a laugh, "I go looking for them." Her technique and example seems to work. Under Deborah's guidance, Snell & Wilmer's PLC pro bono team nearly doubled the number of hours donated to the PLC in the past year.

A skilled litigator whose practice is concentrated on commercial and business law, Deborah says deep involvement with the PLC grew in ways that surprise her. "Initially I really saw it as a way of integrating myself into the firm, as a second and third year attorney, but now it's been ten years, and I have to say I get involved intentionally with each case."