Get to know Josh Gaul, Managing Attorney of Iowa Legal Aid’s Disaster Project and Rural Justice Project for Older Iowans.
When did you start working for Iowa Legal Aid?
August 10, 2009
What kind of work do you do?
Managing attorney of Iowa Legal Aid’s Disaster Project and Rural Justice Project for Older Iowans.
What do you like the most about working here?
The people I’ve worked with over the years are tremendous human beings, just good people to work with. I find joy in helping those that need help the most, that are the most vulnerable, that if we were not there to help them, there wouldn’t be anyone else to help them. Where I come from is a place of service and Iowa Legal Aid gives me the opportunity to live that out.
What are some of your accomplishments here?
The work we’ve done to expand the services we’re able to offer survivors of natural disasters, increase awareness throughout the state among both disaster survivors and agency partners of the legal issues that disaster survivors face. I’ve never met a disaster survivor that didn’t have legal issues that we could help with.
What is your personal philosophy or values that guide your work?
My faith drives me. I love the ability to use gifts that I’ve been given to serve the individuals that need help the most. Whether it’s serving the team members I work with or the organization or the State of Iowa or the clients, what guides me is where can I serve the most and Iowa Legal Aid is a place that I’ve been able to do that.
What is your favorite Iowa Legal Aid memory?
There was a client that I helped once with a divorce and there was custody involved and there was some pretty bad physical abuse. Once we were able to resolve the case the client sent me a letter expressing her gratitude and appreciation for being able to provide her strength and a voice when she didn’t have any. To see that expressed was very gratifying.
What are you most excited about at Iowa Legal Aid that you want others to know about?
I’m excited about the ways Iowa Legal Aid continues to grow and reach more people in need. We’ve expanded important projects that serve older Iowans in rural communities and provide help to those affected by natural disasters. What makes this work especially meaningful is being part of an organization filled with people who truly care—people committed to service and to bringing hope to clients who may feel like they’re out of options.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I think the ability to teleport would be nice. Spend a day at work then teleport to the ocean, or the mountains, or wherever would be a good way to see the world.
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