Alum returns to her roots at CancerLINC

Beth Browning’s first involvement with the Legal Information Network for Cancer was at the Government & Public Interest Interview Fair while she was a student at Richmond Law. The Richmond-based organization – better known as CancerLINC – was in search of a summer intern. CancerLINC is a nonprofit, cofounded by Richmond Law professor emerita Ann Hodges and adjunct professor Phyllis Katz, that connects cancer patiences with legal resources, education, and community services.

The internship was a natural fit for Browning, who graduated in 2016. “When I was five, my father passed away from leukemia,” said Browning. “My mom was lucky to have a good support system and be in a good financial situation.” But, “it made me think about all the people who are in similar situations but are not as financially stable and do not have as many people who can be a support system, and how difficult that can be.”

In fact, “It felt like one of the reasons I went to law school is [that] I wanted to be able to help people get the support they needed,” said Browning.

Today, Browning has found herself back at CancerLINC in a professional capacity. In her role as client services coordinator, Browning connects with prospective clients to determine eligibility for the organization’s services, which include legal services on topics ranging from employment discrimination to landlord-tenant issues. Two days a week, Browning consults with clients through the medical-legal partnership with the Massey Cancer Center, providing patients with resources and referrals for legal services. She also works with Williams Mullen and Capital One to host pro bono life-planning workshops every month, helping each client with a will, power of attorney, and medical directive.

“It’s kind of an atypical law career,” said Browning, but “I’m using the legal knowledge that I have.”