Q&A: Area lawyer volunteers at his first Legal Clinic for the Homeless

Joe Sheridan (far left), with two Goulston & Storr colleagues and Clearinghouse executive director Maribeth Perry at Pine Street Inn.

The Lawyers Clearinghouse held a Legal Clinic for the Homeless on November 1 at Pine Street Inn. The clinic was staffed by volunteers from Boston law firm Goulston & Storrs. Joe Sheridan, an associate at the firm and a recent law school graduate, had been invited by co-workers to participate. After the clinic, I interviewed Joe via email to learn more about his first pro bono experience.

1. How did you feel going into your first Clearinghouse clinic?
I was a bit nervous that it would be disorganized or that the people I would meet would have problems that I could not help them solve. However, the nervousness disappeared fairly quickly. The entire morning was very organized and Maribeth [Perry, executive director of the Clearinghouse] did a great job introducing each individual I met and getting right to the point about what type of help they were looking for.

2. How many clients did you meet with at Pine Street Inn and what types of cases did they have?
I met with four people at the clinic. Their cases included issues regarding wills, problems with their housing authorities, and wage garnishment.

3. How would you describe the overall experience?
It was very positive and eye-opening. Some of the people I met needed only a point in the right direction to solve their problems. Others needed significant help navigating through confusing legal processes. It will be an even more positive experience if I can help those in the latter group.

4. Do you have any advice for other legal professionals who may be interested in pro bono?
I would recommend the Legal Clinic for the Homeless to any lawyer looking to get involved in pro bono. The clients have serious legal issues but little outside guidance on how to improve their situations. It feels good to lend a hand and help them.