Scott Schindler

January 2011

The VLP is pleased to

announce that Scott

Schindler has been selected

as our Outstanding Law

Student Volunteer for the

month of January 2011. 

Scott is a law student at

the U of A and participated

in the Bankruptcy

Reaffirmation Clinic this

semester.  Scott was

absolutely amazing in

this clinic.  He exhibited

unprecedented comfort and

familiarity with bankruptcy law for a student and was utterly at ease in the

courtroom.  His courtroom demeanor was so polished that it was difficult to

discern the student from the supervising attorney.  Scott’s volunteer work was

quite impressive to watch and we are incredibly grateful to have him as a

volunteer.

Scott was born in San Diego, California, but came to Tucson as an undergrad.

He graduated from the Eller College of Business and Management studying

Business Administration, with an emphasis in Finance.  When the time came

for Scott to choose a law school to attend, Tucson’s great variety of outdoor

activities made the U of A an easy choice for this devoted Wildcat fan. 

Fortunately for him, the law school just happens to have a low student to

faculty ratio, very small class sizes, and great professors—qualities that

Scott finds essential to learning.  One of those professors, Professor

Andrews, made a big impact on Scott.  “He has been teaching Tax for over

three decades, and is one of the preeminent tax professors in the nation.

His class was the most challenging and comprehensive class I have ever

taken.”  Scott says, “His presentation of the material was clear, concise,

and humorous, and helped me to live up to the challenge.”

Like many other students, Scott says that his experiences with the VLP and

in law school have changed his view of the judicial system: 

          I always viewed the brilliant, well versed litigators and judges we see

           and hear about as these untouchable, intimidating figures.  But after

           are externing in the chambers of Judge Margulies of the California

           Court of Appeal, and presenting numerous client cases to Judge

           Marlar of the Bankruptcy for the VLP, I learned that Judges and

           litigators are humorous, caring, and usually willing to help.

We asked Scott what got him interested in volunteering with VLP.  He replied,

“VLP was recommended to me by many of my fellow classmates as a fun and

rewarding experience. Beyond the opportunity to participate in a good cause,

the chance to practice legal work outside of the classroom sealed the deal, and

I signed up as soon as my schedule allowed it”.  Scott adds that the most

important thing he learned from volunteering with VLP is to be conscious and

respectful of the client.  As he puts it, “Clients will confide all their trust in you

as their representation, and it is important to be sensitive to their situation.”

As you might expect of someone whose law school choice was based partly

on access to outdoor activities, Scott is an avid sports fan and outdoor

enthusiast.  He enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and camping, as well as

traditional sports such as basketball, football, soccer and lacrosse.  His love

for nature is also reflected by his favorite vacation destination, the Havasupai

Indian Reservation in the Grand Canyon, a place with startlingly beautiful

waterfalls and so rugged and remote that it’s an adventure just to get there.  

After law school, this sports fan would love to land his dream job of either

working for the San Diego Padres or San Diego Chargers as Legal Counsel

and eventually as General Manager.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Past Outstanding Volunteer Student Awards