“One of the great things about doing pro bono work is that it gives you substantive experience that you might not otherwise get. I’m not a litigator, but I was able to work with litigators from our office, attend hearings, and write a brief. It’s something that I really enjoyed, because it got me out of my comfort zone.”– Chelsea Johnson, Associate, Goulston & Storrs
Goulston & Storrs attorney Chelsea Johnson first met Laura* at a Legal Clinic for the Homeless at Pine Street Inn.
Laura needed help with her application for social security disability benefits. She had applied multiple times, but her application was always rejected due to misconceptions about the impact her mental health issues had on her ability to work. Though Laura presents well and can usually acquire a job, she has difficulties maintaining employment and consistently completing everyday tasks.
Chelsea collaborated with her colleague, Marshall Senterfitt, and with their help, Laura submitted a new application for benefits to the Social Security Administration. When that application was also rejected, Chelsea filed an appeal to go before an administrative judge.
In a brief submitted prior to the hearing, Chelsea successfully argued that Laura’s illness made it impossible for her to keep a job. Shortly after, Laura was approved for benefits and started receiving monthly payments, which will enable her to remain housed and focus on her health.
*Client’s name has been changed to protect privacy.
