“I would like to thank you for taking up my causes and all of your legal advice along the way. I especially would like to thank you for your humanity. I never felt less than a real person even though my imperfections would have made it easy for you to judge. Collectively you gave me a glimmer of hope when I had none.” – Richard, Client, Legal Clinic for the Homeless
Ropes & Gray associate Joshua Carroll first met Richard* at a Legal Clinic for the Homeless at the Southampton Shelter. Richard was homeless and unable to access his pension benefits because the release form his former employer had sent him required the signature of the plan beneficiary, his estranged wife.
Following the clinic, Josh and Richard met a second time. Josh gathered the relevant information and contacted Richard’s former employer. Over the course of the call, Josh discovered the company had provided Richard with the incorrect form and Richard could actually acquire his benefits without a second signature.
It’s often difficult for people who are homeless to resolve seemingly routine issues when they lack a permanent address and may not even have consistent access to a reliable phone. Navigating life on the streets or in a shelter also takes a toll mentally; after spending so much of the day seeking food and safety, the prospect of contending with a legal issue can be daunting. Josh says he’s happy he was able to use his skills as an attorney to assist Richard so quickly.
Now that he can access his pension, Richard feels he’s headed in the right direction. He hopes he can save some money and move out of the shelter soon.
*Client’s name has been changed to protect privacy.
