The Connecticut Bar Association held its quarterly Free Legal Advice Clinic on April 21 and April 22, connecting individuals in need with volunteer attorneys for virtual sessions. The event, which ran from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days, offered free legal guidance across a range of issues.
The clinics are part of the association’s ongoing effort to address the access to justice gap in Connecticut by ensuring people can receive reliable legal information regardless of their financial means. According to the official website, the Connecticut Bar Association fosters community well-being through free legal advice and pro bono representation according to the official website.
A total of 87 clients received assistance during this clinic with support from 31 attorney volunteers and an additional group of law student and paralegal volunteers. Attorneys provided help on matters including family law, immigration, employment, estates and probate, consumer issues, bankruptcy, housing, and civil rights.
Volunteer attorney Erin Daly said, “I really do love this program and Lawyers in Libraries. Too often, people go without legal help simply because they think they can’t afford it. Programs like this matter—they make sure people can access real advice early, when it can actually change the outcome.” Jake Dunigan added: “Even before my career started in the law, I’d been a true believer in a system that strives for fairness and justice. There are a lot of barriers to those fair outcomes in the modern courts, but I still believe the intent is there. The clinic gives me a chance to bring that faith to one more person. A slow and steady march toward justice for all that I am proud to be a part of.”
Song Kim, Director of Access to Justice and Equity at CBA said: “The Connecticut Bar Association’s Free Legal Advice Clinic is a critical program that addresses the justice gap in CT and meets people where they are, often in moments when they have nowhere else to turn,” Kim stated. “By tapping into the extraordinary depth and breadth of expertise of our dedicated volunteer attorneys, we’re able to provide meaningful, trusted, and excellent legal guidance helping individuals better understand and protect their rights.”
The association also operates initiatives such as educational programs through its Law Center according to its official website, works with partners like the Connecticut Bar Institute for charitable efforts according to its official website, reaches over 7,000 members statewide according to its official website, promotes principles of justice as a nonprofit member service entity according to its official website, is guided by its president along with leadership bodies according to its official website, advances advocacy since being founded in 1875 while maintaining headquarters in Meriden according to its official website.
Through programs like these clinics—and other pro bono offerings—the association continues working toward making access to justice available for all residents.
