ANDVSA is proud to recognize Stacy Walker as our Volunteer Attorney of the Month and celebrate her remarkable 22 years of providing pro bono legal services through the network.
Stacy began volunteering after one of her law partners, then a fellow associate, became involved with ANDVSA. Although Stacy was not practicing family law at the time, she felt confident stepping into the work because ANDVSA promised—and delivered—the mentoring and support she needed.
Since then, volunteering has become an especially meaningful part of her career.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding,” Stacy shared. “I tend to hold on to these clients and make sure everything is wrapped up. I know them better than many of my other clients because, to defend them, you have to understand them and their circumstances. They are very grateful and appreciative of the work, and it’s nice to give back.”
Stacy’s legal career has taken her across several areas of law, including veterans’ appeals, military law, public defense, civil defense, and personal injury defense. She grew up around the world but has long-standing connections to Alaska and has called the state home since 1999. She attended BYU for both her BA and JD.
For attorneys considering volunteering with ANDVSA, Stacy encourages them to trust that support will be available while also being mindful of their capacity when accepting their first few cases.
“Be careful that you don’t bite off more than you can chew,” she advised. “Trust that you’re going to have the support you need. My experience has been that, when judges know you are handling a case pro bono, they are patient and understand that you may be learning a new area of law.”
Stacy also sees pro bono service as an opportunity for attorneys to grow professionally while helping people who might otherwise be unable to afford legal representation.
“There’s an expression I think about often: ‘What the mind doesn’t know, the eyes can’t see.’ Educating yourself and doing pro bono work opens you to an area of law you may not have been aware of before. If you don’t educate yourself, you can’t see the issue. The more we expand our areas of expertise, the better lawyers we become.”
As Stacy looks ahead to retirement, she hopes to continue giving back through volunteer opportunities that allow her to take on discrete legal matters, such as protective order cases. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, knitting, and sewing.
ANDVSA is deeply grateful for Stacy’s 22 years of service, her commitment to survivors, and her belief in the power of pro bono work to make attorneys and Alaska’s communities stronger.