I used my own experience to recommend clearer information about financial resources and legal aid referrals.

I didn’t tell clients what to do or assume their situations were simple.

I listened when they explained what obstacles they faced.

One afternoon a woman thanked me for not looking surprised when she admitted she had no money in an account with her own name on it.

“I’ve been there,” I said.

She looked at me, surprised.

I didn’t elaborate.

The conversation was about her, not me.