Legal clinic honors attorney Selwyn Skevin

The Jewish value of tzedakah has long been an inspiration for Selwyn Skevin. In 2013, it motivated him to become a volunteer at JUF Evelyn R. Greene Legal Services, a natural fit for the attorney.

For more than a decade, Skevin-recently named the 2024 Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year- has brought enthusiasm and comprehensive knowledge to his work at the legal clinic. Skevin’s Russian language skills have been an added benefit during his work with clients from the former USSR.

“Many cases are not under litigation and do not require court appearances,” Skevin explained. “Some just require advice, while other cases need correspondence written by a competent attorney on behalf of a client whose command of the English language is not strong. Either way, the clients are extremely grateful for any amount of help they can receive.”

While he mainly focuses on civil litigation in his day job, Skevin’s pro bono work inspires him to gain even “broader knowledge, both personally and professionally,” he said. “In turn, I can use that know-how for a wider array of clients who come to the legal clinic for assistance with their needs,” he added.

Among his most memorable cases was helping an elderly client with a will and pet trust. “She wanted to make sure that her pet bird was taken care of if she passed before the bird did,” Skevin recalled. “The feeling of being able to help a client without means is very rewarding in itself.”

In addition to his own legal work at the clinic, Skevin has recruited other Chicago-area attorneys to provide counsel there. He also volunteers at JUF Uptown Cafe.

“Selwyn is fantastic,” said Jessica Rhoades, Legal Liaison at JUF Evelyn R. Greene Legal Services. “He is a joy to work with. Even as we’re working through difficult, hard things, the levity and humor he brings help all of us keep our chins up and keep doing the work that needs to be done.”