Our Clients' Stories

MLP helps family obtain stable housing and reduce stress:  Mom and four children were referred to MLP by the pediatric provider because they were living in a bedroom of a “friend’s” house with inadequate heat.  The abusive host threatened to kick the family out, creating an even more stressful environment.  The housing attorney and medical provider worked together to build a strong case for emergency shelter. Just four months later, the family moved from shelter into a stable four bedroom subsidized unit apartment and has reported a reduction in stress levels.

MLP helps to secure health insurance coverage for necessary medical equipment and supplies for a pediatric patient with significant special needs:  The clinic team had worked tirelessly to obtain the coverage over a long period of time without success.  After repeated insurance denials, clinic staff partnered with the MLP legal team and together they were able to finally resolve the coverage issue to get the patient the equipment necessary for his care.

MLP provides advice about legal rights to family after toddler is exposed to lead in rental unit:  Pediatric provider referred a family who had moved out of their apartment after their toddler tested positive for elevated lead levels.  The family experienced housing instability until they were finally able to relocate to another apartment.  As a result of the Medical-Legal Partnership, Community Legal Aid connected the family with a pro bono attorney who provided detailed advice regarding potential legal remedies and tenants’ rights under the Massachusetts Lead Law.  The child is doing well and is no longer at risk of lead poisoning.

Medical providers, in consultation with the MLP attorney, submitted a utility shut off protection letter to the utility company and restored electricity for asthmatic patient.  The patient was then referred to a pro bono attorney who represented the patient against her landlord to address violation of the state sanitary code,  negotiated with the utility company to reduce outstanding utility bills and secured safe and more affordable housing.

How We Support Pro Bono Attorneys

If you are interested in making an impact, we are here to support you.  We carefully screen cases and strive to offer manageable pro bono opportunities because we know your time as an attorney is valuable.  Pro bono attorneys have the following supports available as needed throughout their volunteer experiences:  

• Ongoing mentorship
• Access to Medical-Legal Partnership trainings and pro bono manuals
• Discount MCLE vouchers (limited number)
• Conference space at CLA
• Access to phone interpreter service
• Email groups exclusively for CLA MLP attorneys
• Professional liability insurance