Staff Profile: Akeria Lumpkins

Akeria Lumpkins joined PBRC in 2019 and serves as the paralegal for the Courtroom Advocacy Project.  

Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Southwest Baltimore.

Where did you go to school and what was your major/focus?
I went to the Community College of Baltimore County where I got my Associate’s Degree in Legal Studies. After that, I attended the University of Baltimore where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Jurisprudence.

What are your interests/hobbies?
I love DIY projects. I make hair & skin care products and enjoy sharing them with my loved ones. I also enjoy road trips, journaling, and experimenting with different hairstyles.

How did you connect with PBRC?
I connected with PBRC when I did an internship through the University of Baltimore. My internship was at the Baltimore City District Court where I assisted pro se defendants on the affidavit judgement docket. During that time, I met Sydney, the Director of the Courtroom Advocacy Project. I assisted Sydney in court and shared data I collected at joint meetings with PBRC, MVLS and my UB professors. When the position at PBRC opened, Sydney let me know about the opportunity.

What were you doing prior to working here?
Prior to working at PBRC, I was a contract paralegal for Baltimore City Public Schools.

What do you do at PBRC?
I’m a paralegal for the Courtroom Advocacy Project (CAP) which consists of the Tenant Volunteer Lawyer of the Day (TVLD) Program and the Consumer Protection Project (CPP). I assist at CAP’s courthouse clinics and manage case files and client data.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is being a first-generation college graduate.

Who is your hero?
My dad is my hero. Growing up, my mom was unable to work due to a back injury. My dad worked three jobs to support his family. He was always tired and was only off on Sundays, but he did what was necessary in order to support his family.

What has been your most meaningful experience with PBRC?
Every day at PBRC is meaningful. Whether it’s helping a tenant who lives in appalling conditions open an escrow account or assisting a victim of identity theft get their debt collection case dismissed – every day is significant.

What do you appreciate about PBRC’s mission?
I appreciate that PBRC’s mission is centered around providing access to justice to those in need. Wealth pretty much ensures access to justice while poverty hinders it. PBRC works diligently to bridge that gap.

Tell us something random about yourself.
When I was younger, I loved Mary Kate & Ashley. In one of their movies, they relocated to Sydney, Australia. I’ve wanted to visit there ever since.