The Records Project Volunteer Amy Mandin
By Oscar Aguirre
This month, the Records Project is spotlighting Volunteer Attorney Amy Mandin. Amy began volunteering with the Records Project in early 2022, and since then, she has consistently proven herself to be a dedicated, zealous advocate.
Amy’s passion for serving her clients has even brought her to arguing — and succeeding on — novel legal challenges. In Spring of 2023, Amy assisted a Records Project client with vacating a misdemeanor conviction. The judge denied the request. After consulting with the client and another long-time volunteer, Scott Smith, Amy filed an appeal, challenging the court’s denial. Although Amy had never handled an appeal before, she quickly familiarized herself with the process. With the help of Scott Smith, Amy successfully argued the matter at an oral hearing. And for the first time in Records Project history, a volunteer attorney convinced a reviewing court to reverse a lower court’s denial of a vacate request. Consequently, due to the efforts of Amy and Scott, the client is now free to move forward in their life without the obstacles presented by a criminal record.
Inspired by the work that she has done at the Records Project, Amy founded Washington Records Removal (WRR). WRR is a low bono firm that removes records for individuals of moderate means who do not qualify for pro bono assistance. Amy also continues to represent clients through the Records Project.
Read in Amy’s own words why she volunteers with the Records Project and why she believes record vacating is a critical service for our community:
Volunteering with the Records Project has been incredibly rewarding and continues to remind me of why I wanted to become a lawyer in the first place. After graduating in Spring 2020, with the challenges of the pandemic, including balancing life with two small children and losing law school connections, I questioned my career path. The Records Project gave me a renewed sense of purpose by allowing me to help individuals in a tangible and much needed way. I encourage other attorneys to volunteer with the Records Project — it’s a powerful way to make a meaningful impact and rediscover the profound rewards of our profession.
Oscar Aguirre is KCBA’s Records Project Staff Attorney. If you are interested in volunteering or have questions about the program, please email Oscar at oscara@kcba.org.
