Monday, October 25, 2010
Mon, 25 Oct 2010
Christopher has made pro bono service a priority during his tenure at Liberty University School of Law. Over the past three years he has contributed numerous hours of his time providing pro bono service to the Street Law Program, Liberty University School of Law Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Clinic, and the International Mission Board. Chris also volunteered his time as a law school mentor.
“We are all called to have a servant’s heart. I am constantly reminded of the admonition in Philippians 2:3-4 that we are to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than ourselves. Each of us should look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
This year Chris is the Co-Chair of the VITA Clinic. VITA is a program administered by the Internal Revenue System as part of an increased emphasis of providing pro bono tax assistance to underserved communities with free tax filing services using IRS-certified law students. 2011 will mark the third year that Liberty University will host VITA.
“I have been a certified VITA volunteer every year since 2008. I have prepared tax returns for over a dozen taxpayers. VITA has been a wonderful service opportunity that has served well the greater Lynchburg region. What we do here at the VITA Clinic at Liberty University School of Law has had a tremendous positive impact in the community.”
Chris plans to increase the amount of law students who receive certified status and consequently increase the amount of tax returns that are filed.
“I want to encourage all Liberty University School of Law students to consider making pro bono service an integral part of their educational experience. Not only do I believe that we are called to contribute to the public good, but I believe we have an obligation to willingly serve others with a loving heart.”
If you are interested in becoming VITA certified please contact Chris at cjpitera@liberty.edu.