Debt Clinic volunteers make such a difference

If VLSP were to create an in-house dictionary, David MacKnight’s photo could logically go with the entry for Debt Clinic since he has volunteered at the clinic virtually since its inception in 1986, when MacKnight had a mere 10 years of experience at the firm now known as Lacy Katzen LLP.

“The people who come in for debt advice have generally become wedged into financial situations they just cannot extricate themselves from,” MacKnight acknowledged.  “Often their earning capacity has been compromised through illness or disability.”

The Debt Management Advice and Consultation Clinic consists of two sessions, each held in alternate months.  The first session, held at the Federal Court in Rochester, involves an experienced bankruptcy attorney providing general advice to a group about the debt collection process, how to handle harassing phone calls, and information about Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. 

   “The clients who come to the first clinic often assume they need to file for bankruptcy, but that isn’t always the best solution, or the necessary next step,” MacKnight explained.

Individuals who attend the first group session are then assessed for eligibility to attend a second session which consists of one-on-one consultations with experienced bankruptcy attorneys.  VLSP has a panel of volunteers that includes at least 25 names.  Some of those names, like MacKnight, are active all year every year, as are many of his colleagues.

“I think any attorney who practices bankruptcy law has an inner desire to help individuals,” MacKnight added, when asked about his loyalty in volunteering. 

VLSP Staff Attorney Karen Chung oversees the Debt Clinic, ensuring volunteers are available for each clinic, and that includes paralegal volunteers as well. 

“We have two very dedicated paralegals from Thomson Reuters who have years of experience at the clinic, said Chung, in reference to long-time volunteers Karen Drysdale and Patricia Carey.

So maybe we need multiple photos attached to the Debt Management Advice and Consultation Clinic entry in our VLSP Monroe County, Inc. glossary of terms.

Written by Nora A. Jones