Pro Bono
Throughout its almost ninety-year history, Shipman & Goodwin has actively promoted pro bono service. In cooperation with the Connecticut Bar Association's pro bono project "Law Works for the People," our lawyers have represented indigent clients in divorce and custody disputes, housing matters, bankruptcy proceedings, and social security hearings. Other lawyers have drafted wills and health care advance directives for persons suffering from HIV infection or AIDS. Still others have provided legal services for real estate transactions to charitable organizations. A number of firm lawyers regularly serve as special public defenders or court-appointed counsel for criminal trials, appeals and habeas corpus actions.
Our work on behalf of those in need has been recognized by our peers, including the Pro Bono Partnership, which named Shipman & Goodwin as the 2002 Law Firm of the Year. We encourage and support all of our attorneys to use their experience for the benefit of the community, and continually look for opportunities to help those who need our skills the most. Some of the organizations and efforts in which we are involved are described below.
Connecticut Bar Association Pro Bono Network Programs - AIDS Legal Network
Attorneys draft wills and health care advance directives for persons living with HIV or AIDS sometimes representing AIDS victims in bankruptcy matters.
- Connecticut Fair Housing Center
Represent indigent or low-income tenants in housing matters, evictions and participate in advocacy activities such as writing amicus briefs in matters affecting affordable housing and equal housing opportunity.
- Lawyers for Children America
Several attorneys have completed training in advocacy for children accepting court appointments to serve as attorneys for minor children and guardians ad litem in abuse and neglect proceedings brought by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families ("DCF"). The attorneys visit the children to which they are appointed; appear in court for hearings on the status of their young clients; participate in DCF administrative case reviews; and work to determine what judicial actions are in the best interests of the children and to advocate for those actions.
- Pro Bono Partnership
Provide pro bono legal services to nonprofit agencies serving low-income individuals: negotiating or reviewing leases, conducting real estate closings, drafting employment policies and employee handbooks, and applying for tax-exempt status.
- Security Deposit Clinic
More than a dozen attorneys received training in the law of security deposits. Attorneys staff an evening clinic once a month providing advice and assistance to indigent individuals seeking the return of deposits withheld by landlords assisting the clients evaluate evidence needed to be presented to the court, help prepare forms for court, and advise clients in presenting their own cases in small claims court.
- VITA and LITC Tax Programs
Represent indigent and low-income individuals in tax matters, obtaining low-income tax credits and dealing with the Internal Revenue Service on delinquency matters.
Court Appointments
- Criminal Defense: Regularly accept court appointments to represent indigent criminal defendants in state and federal trial and appellate courts covering the range of criminal defense work, from investigation and plea negotiations, to trial, to appeals to the state Appellate and Supreme Courts and to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Guardianship and Conservatorships: Trusts & Estates attorneys accept court appointments from the state’s Probate Courts to represent individuals with guardianship and conservatorship proceedings.
Immigration Matters
Represent indigent clients in deportation and other immigration matters after receiving training through the American Immigration Lawyers Association, providing advice to individuals wanting to become naturalized United States citizens.
Activities for Improving the Law, the Legal System, and the Legal Profession
Shipman & Goodwin lawyers take leadership roles in county, state, and national bar organizations serving as faculty members for continuing legal education seminars and give presentations on many areas of the law. They serve as officers, section leaders, and committee leaders for bar associations. Shipman & Goodwin lawyers serve on advisory committees to the state and federal courts to participate in ongoing efforts to improve court rules and the efficiency and fairness of the judicial system.
Support for Organizations that Provide Free Legal Services
Shipman & Goodwin regularly and generously contributes financial support to several organizations that provide legal services to indigent clients and also serve as board members for legal services organizations that provide free legal assistance to indigent clients.
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Pro Bono
Recognition
Law Firm of the Year
Shipman & Goodwin was named the 2002 Law Firm of the Year by the Pro Bono Partnership for its exemplary pro bono efforts.
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