MERIDEN, Conn. — The Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) continued its commitment to expanding access to justice with its latest quarterly Free Legal Advice Clinic held virtually through Zoom meetings on July 21 and 22, giving Connecticut residents access to free, one-on-one guidance from volunteer attorneys.
The clinics connect volunteer attorneys with individuals seeking guidance on civil legal matters, including family law, housing, employment, immigration, probate, and consumer issues. While the attorneys do not provide ongoing representation, the clinics help participants better understand their legal rights, responsibilities, and available next steps. Over the course of the two-day clinic, 47 clients met with 32 volunteer attorneys who generously donated their time and legal knowledge to help the clients better understand their rights and options.
The July clinic notably saw an increase in the number of clients requiring language interpretation services. Eight clients requested interpreters, with many of them seeking legal guidance related to recent changes affecting temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian communities in the United States. Throughout the clinic, attorneys assisted these individuals in understanding their legal options as federal court proceedings continue to affect the attempted implementation of the current presidential administration's efforts to end TPS for those communities.
"Our goal is to ensure that Connecticut residents have access to clear, accurate, and timely legal information, especially when changes in the law create uncertainty for individuals and families," said Song Kim, CBA Director of Access to Justice and Equity. "We are working closely with our volunteer attorneys and community partners to help those affected by changes to temporary protected status understand their legal rights and options as the situation continues to evolve."
The Connecticut Bar Association extends its sincere appreciation to the attorneys, interpreters, and volunteers whose dedication makes the clinics possible. Their commitment reflects the legal profession's longstanding tradition of public service and helps strengthen access to justice throughout Connecticut.
For more information about the CBA's Free Legal Advice Clinic, visit ctbar.org/freelegaladviceclinic, and learn more about the CBA’s other pro bono programs at ctba.org/probono.