“Pro bono work has given me the opportunity to hone my advocacy skills and make a real difference in someone’s life. There are few things more important than having a safe and comfortable place to live, and I am so glad that we were able to help Dana successfully resolve her eviction case and find a new apartment to call home.” – Rob Donoghue, Associate, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP
“Working with pro bono clients is one of the most rewarding things a lawyer can do. Together we were able to make a real difference in Dana’s life.” – Sonia Sujanani, Senior Associate, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP
WilmerHale attorneys Rob Donoghue and Sonia Sujanani first met Dana* at one of the Clearinghouse’s Legal Clinics for the Homeless.
Dana was seeking legal assistance because her landlord was not keeping up with the maintenance of her apartment. She was dealing with an insect infestation and a number of other structural problems outside of her control, and the unit had failed multiple inspections.
After Sonia wrote to the landlord on Dana’s behalf, informing him that Dana would withhold rent until he repaired the defective conditions and made the apartment habitable, the landlord moved to evict Dana for nonpayment of rent. Rob represented Dana during mediation in housing court, where both parties agreed Dana would keep all of the rent money she had withheld for five months and vacate the unit.
Dana has since moved into a new apartment that is better maintained. Rob ensured all of her rental assistance paperwork was filed correctly, so she can move forward without the threat of housing instability.
*Client’s name has been changed to protect privacy.
