Work with DNA

      This week at DNA-People's Legal Services was like an amazing sampler of law. I started off with assessing whether a client qualified for Social Security Disability Insurance. After I wrote up a brief memo on that client's medical issues and possible disability claims, I drafted a complaint for a breach of contract for a client who paid for services he never received. That was followed by two client interviews. The first was seeking assistance with a housing benefits claim, and the second needed help sorting out a debt, mainly because he only spoke Navajo. Next was a closing letter to a client, recapping the power of attorney services provided and explaining the remaining custody issues he still faces.  To close out the week, I am drafting a motion to compel which needs to be filed by close of business tomorrow. 

      The work I did is only a small fraction of the options available. DNA was especially accommodating, letting us choose cases that we thought were interesting from their caseload. The hard-working people there were welcoming and friendly. Not only popping in to check up on us, but patiently explaining the nuances and additional complications of tribal law. The organization is nearing its 50th anniversary and its clearly a relied upon by the community. Some of the work they do for the people who walk in the door is more in line with social work than legal work. But the attorneys assist them with their problems regardless, because people count on them and without DNA, they wouldn't know who to turn to in Navajo Nation.

Angela Chen