Meet Michael Santos, an attorney at the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, who recently stopped by Lawline’s CLE studio.

Learn more in this related CLE Course: Contemporary Issues Facing Homeless Children and Youth (earn 1.5 credits).

Michael received his J.D. from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law in 2013. Prior to joining the Law Center in June 2015, Michael was a fellow at the Clinton Foundation, where he worked on decreasing the growing rate of childhood obesity in the United States. He shared his thoughts on the impact the presidential election will have on his organization, as well as tips for those looking to transition to a career in public interest law.

How did you decide to pursue a career in public interest law?

In college, my studies in Ethnic Studies and Southeast Asian History spurred my interest in a legal career helping immigrants and refugees. However, my interest quickly evolved to working more broadly on the rights of low-income and underrepresented communities.

What advice would you give to entry-level attorneys interested in pursuing a career in public interest law?

Take initiative. Be proactive in identifying problems and finding creative ways to solve them. Ask for feedback, leverage your strengths and find ways to grow, learn and address your weaknesses. Public interest lawyers wear many hats so it’s important to be resourceful, creative and passionate.

How do you see the work of your organization transitioning in the wake of the presidential election? And in the long-term?

The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty is the only national organization dedicated solely to using the power of the law to end and prevent homelessness. People experiencing homelessness are disproportionately members of racial and ethnic minorities. Many are women, many are LGBTQ and some are immigrants. But as the election highlighted, many Americans are feeling economic pain. Millions are just a missed paycheck or unexpected expense away from eviction or foreclosure. The Law Center brings high-impact litigation, leads and supports advocacy campaigns, and educates the public. Our work creates homes and communities for families, children, veterans, elderly and disabled people, improves access to housing for domestic violence survivors, secures education rights for children experiencing homelessness, and protects human rights and dignity by striking down laws that punish people experiencing homelessness.

As we await further clarity about the shape of the incoming administration, we will continue to do everything possible to fight discrimination, hate and violence. Our work is more important now than ever before.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 20 years?

I love what I do at the Law Center and I will continue to be an advocate for vulnerable communities. Ending different forms of systemic oppression like poverty and gender-identity discrimination is a long-term goal.

What lawyer do you admire most?

I admire the late Steven J. Kolleeny. As his paralegal at Skadden, we worked on several pro bono asylum cases, which allowed me to learn about immigration law and relate to our clients’ stories. After hearing their harrowing stories, I realized I wanted to become a lawyer.

What is the best career-related advice you have received?

Treat others the way you would like to be treated. And help others, even if there are no immediate benefits to you. The legal world is small and the reputation you build is the most important asset you have.

Why do you teach CLE programs?

To give back to the legal community not only by sharing my expertise but also by finding ways I can collaborate and coordinate with other legal practitioners who share my passion in advocating for the needs of vulnerable communities.

If you had to choose a career path other than law, what would that be?

I would choose a career that would allow me to travel internationally and pursue my passion for cross-cultural experiences.