Connecticut Office Staffs Hartford H.E.L.P. Clinics, Offers Pro Bono Legal Advice to Less Fortunate

May 24, 2011

Hartford H.E.L.P. (Homeless Experience Legal Protection) is a program directed by Connecticut Appleseed as a means to assist Hartford's poorest individuals with common legal problems. Once a week, several attorneys from Bracewell's Connecticut office spent the early morning hours at two local homeless shelters providing free legal advice to indigent, mostly homeless individuals. Typical issues include Social Security benefits, criminal pardons, housing disputes, and assistance with acquiring identification. Attorney advice ranges from researching legal options and putting individuals in contact with the proper authority to disabusing participants of false expectations or misinformation pertaining to their rights. "It's a pleasure to participate with so many Bracewell attorneys enthusiastically giving back to the community where its needs are most profound," said Associate David Lawton. "A real sense of camaraderie has developed here, and we're excited to continue our pro bono efforts."