Atlanta Legal Aid Welcomes UPS Fellow

, June 25, 2007

Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc., today announced it had welcomed its first corporate-sponsored appointee to the Legal Aid Fellowship Program, an attorney from UPS who has begun a four-month assignment.

The appointment of Ryan Swift, a lawyer at UPS's headquarters here, is a first not only for Atlanta but also for the nation. More than 100 law firms around the country participate in various fellowship programs with their local legal services agencies, but no corporation has ever assigned one of its attorneys to such long-term assistance.

Swift began reporting last week to Atlanta Legal Aid's Cobb County office, where he will work for the next four months while continuing to receive his salary and benefits from UPS.

The Fellowship Program of Atlanta Legal Aid immerses young lawyers in a variety of cases and crises, giving them valuable opportunities for court time and for responsibilities that only come much later at a large firm or corporation. Since 1995, 13 Atlanta law firms have sent 39 associates to serve as Fellows at one of Legal Aid's five offices. Participating firms gain experience for their associates; Legal Aid gains needed support for the work it does.

"We're excited to have UPS take part in this marvelous program," said Steve Gottlieb, Legal Aid's executive director. "Over the years, we've come to value the participation of Atlanta's law firms in our Fellowship Program as much as we value their monetary contributions in support of our work."

"UPS is leading the way by providing an attorney to legal services," added Esther Laurdent, president and CEO of the Pro Bono Institute. "It's a new, innovative approach for in-house legal departments to do pro-bono work."

Ryan joined UPS in 1997 as a paralegal in the Legal Department. A December 2006 graduate of Georgia State Law School, he took classes part-time in the evenings while working full time.

"UPS is committed to the communities it serves," said Teri McClure, UPS senior vice president, Legal, Compliance and Public Affairs. "And we believe when UPSers participate in programs away from the office, it makes them better managers and helps them understand the needs of our people. Our department will grow tremendously from Ryan's experience."

"I'm excited," added Swift. "It's a great program. It's a way for me to get practical law experience and when I come back, UPS will get a better, more well-rounded attorney."