Volunteer Spotlight: Sandra Carrillo
“At an incredibly young age, I was taught that it was important to help others.”
This month, LASC and SEOLS wish to recognize Sandra Carrillo for her active participation in our volunteer program. Over the years, Sandra has volunteered in a variety of ways for LASC. In recognition of the growing need at eviction court due to the pandemic, Sandra has recently focused her efforts on the Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP).
Her commitment to service began early. “So as far back as I can remember, I have always sought out opportunities to get involved and serve the community. Now as an attorney, I love that I can utilize my legal skills and knowledge to help others in a more meaningful way, and with LASC, there is no limit to how I can put my skills and knowledge to good use,” she explains.
Prior to starting her own firm, Carrillo Law, she served as an assistant city prosecutor with the Columbus City Attorney's Office. She represented the cities of Columbus and Worthington, Franklin County townships, and the state of Ohio in the prosecution of criminal misdemeanor offenses. During her time as a prosecutor, Sandra says she gained invaluable experience in the courtroom assisting with or handling jury trials, bench trials, and evidentiary hearings.
Sandra earned her law degree with a concentration in civil litigation from Capital University Law School in 2016. While there, in addition to her work with moot court and mock trial competitions, Sandra was also named to the Order of the Barristers, an honor society limited to graduating law students and practicing lawyers who demonstrate exceptional skill in trial advocacy, oral advocacy, and brief writing. She is also a two-time alumna from The Ohio State University, where she obtained bachelor’s degrees in criminology and psychology.
In addition to other activities, Sandra currently serves as a board member of the St. Vincent Family Center and has been a small business owner since 2016. She is also a member of the Columbus Bar Association and a life member of Alpha Psi Lambda National, Incorporated. Additionally, Sandra is a past graduate of the United Way of Central Ohio's Project Diversity program, the Hispanic Chamber of Columbus' Latina Mentoring Academy, and the YWCA's Gen Y Leadership Program.
Despite managing her own law firm and engaging in a variety of activities, Sandra still prioritizes volunteering with LASC. She recognizes the impact of programs like TAP in the community. To her, the opportunity to assist low-income clients means that she is doing her part to close the justice gap.
“These programs make a BIG difference in the lives of low-income clients. Clients often come in worried and uncertain about so many things, but after connecting with a volunteer like me, they are generally able to breathe a big sigh of relief knowing that they don’t have to face the process alone,” she said.
In reflecting on her experiences at LASC, she strongly encourages others to get involved. She acknowledges through various programs she has grown personally and professionally. However, most importantly she has enjoyed being able to serve the clients.
Sandra, a native of Tampa, Florida, has resided in Columbus since 2004. Currently, she lives in north Columbus with her husband, Wilber, and their five pets. When she is not volunteering (or working), she enjoys as much time outdoors as possible. She and her husband also love exploring Ohio’s metro and state parks year-round.
Thank you, Sandra!
