Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is partnering with Lawyers Clearinghouse to provide pro bono legal services for the Massachusetts Legal Clinic for the Homeless. Hinshaw is the tenth law firm to volunteer with this program.
Attorneys from Hinshaw will attend a clinic in January 2016 that will give the attorneys the opportunity to meet with homeless and low-income men and women at the Cardinal Medeiros Center in Boston.
“Everyone’s excited to get involved and take part in this project,” said Hinshaw associate Melissa Bruynell. Ms. Bruynell will be coordinating Hinshaw’s involvement in the program.
Bruynell, a former Clearinghouse intern, worked for the program while attending law school in 2011. She says it’s important for lawyers to give back by using their expertise to help others, and this program gives each of the attorneys that opportunity.
Hinshaw is involved in a number of community service initiatives nationwide. Participating in the Massachusetts Legal Clinic will be the first long-term, permanent pro bono project that the firm’s Boston office has committed to.
“Hinshaw is privileged to have the opportunity to partner with Lawyers Clearinghouse to assist individuals with their legal needs in Massachusetts,” said CharCretia Di Bartolo, Partner-in-Charge of Hinshaw’s Boston office. “Our team of Boston attorneys is looking forward to using their legal skills to give back to the many nonprofits and communities that the Clearinghouse supports so that the community as a whole can be better served.”
Maribeth Perry, Lawyers Clearinghouse Executive Director, added, “We are thrilled to welcome Hinshaw as our newest legal clinic partner firm. Homelessness is on the rise in Massachusetts and last year we saw a 20% increase in homeless clients. Hinshaw’s participation will allow us to remove barriers and provide access to justice for more people in need.”
Hinshaw is a full-service law firm with approximately 525 attorneys providing coordinated legal services across the United States and in London. Established in 2006, our Boston office serves as the hub of the firm’s New England practice. Visit Hinshaw’s Commitment to Your Community web page to learn more about Hinshaw’s commitment to your community.
The Massachusetts Legal Clinic for the Homeless connects attorneys with homeless men and women in need of pro bono legal assistance. This year, the Clearinghouse has expanded the program to serve clients at Bridge Over Troubled Waters, a shelter “dedicated to transforming the lives of runaway, homeless, and high-risk youth.” The Clearinghouse also provides services at St. Francis House, the Cardinal Medeiros Center, and the Pine Street Inn. Click here for more information.
