Pro Bono Attorneys are Key to Serving Clients, LSSP Newsletter

Pro Bono Attorneys are Key to Serving Clients

LSSP Newsletter -- Legal Services of Southern Piedmont

Hunton and Williams attorney, Bob Hahn, has taken pro bono cases since graduating from law school. He primarily handles cases for low-income clients who have been denied benefits, such as Medicaid or social security disability. These benefits are often the client’s sole source of income or their only access to medical care.

Jane is a 60-year-old woman, who worked for many years in one of the Charlotte banks. Her job involved continuous typing and she eventually developed carpal tunnel syndrome. She saw numerous doctors, took multiple medications, but still found that she left her job every day with severe pain in her hands. Most nights she had to soak her hands in cold water to regain any strength in them.

The pain eventually made it impossible for her to continue to perform her duties at the bank. She tried several different jobs, from airport shuttle bus driver, to packing boxes and finally cleaning in a local hospital. But as the pain in her hands began to worsen, Jane could not hold the mop and had to leave the cleaning job as well. With limited job training, she could not find full time work that does not involve the use of her hands.

When Jane’s request for Medicaid was denied she sought help at LSSP. As an active volunteer attorney with LSSP, Hahn agreed to handle her appeal. After reviewing Jane’s medical evidence, age and limited job training, the hearing officer quickly found in Jane’s favor. He determined that she was disabled and granted her application for Medicaid. Jane is now getting the medical care she needs.

Hahn was likewise pleased with the outcome. He finds it personally rewarding to be able to help someone like Jane receive the care that she needed. According to Hahn, “our government has set up a system to help those in need and it is a good feeling to see these programs used by the people who truly need them.”

If you are interested in volunteering with LSSP please contact Rabia Javaid at rabiaj@lssp.org.