Pro Bono Week event provides legal aid to underserved communities
The fair quickly gained momentum and attendees were directed to the organization that could best serve their needs. Maribeth Perry, the executive director of Lawyers Clearinghouse, oversaw the Clearinghouse table. She spoke to individuals and families dealing with eviction, denial of public housing, employment discrimination, CORI, homelessness, foreclosure and immigration. Others had come on behalf of friends, family members and clients at area shelters.
Perry provided legal advice and information about useful resources, inviting some to attend the next Legal Clinic for the Homeless on Friday, November 1, where they will be paired with pro bono attorneys from Goulston & Storrs.
One attendee sat down in front of Perry, pulling out a list of legal queries ranging from the care of a friend’s ill son to her will. She expressed gratitude for the fair, hoping such services could help end what she described as an unfortunate cycle of poverty and crime resulting from limited resources. Roughly 21.5% of Dorchester residents and 38% of Roxbury residents live below the poverty line,[1] and the effects were felt as attendees described hardships they could not afford to rectify.
Ultimately, the fair served 125 people from surrounding neighborhoods. Similar events are being held nationwide as Pro Bono Week continues, bringing awareness to a much-needed and important service.
![[source]](https://www.lawyersclearinghouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/probono_logo_orange.png){kind=logo}