Thursday, October 28, 2010

Celebrating National Pro Bono Week: Curtin & Heefner LLP

Curtin & Heefner LLP takes pride in the quality of representation that it provides, not only to clients who are able to pay for legal services, but also in its participation in pro bono and community-based work.  As committed members of our community, the firm supports and encourages its attorneys to provide pro bono services.

Attorneys at the firm sign up annually through the Bucks County Bar Association to provide pro bono legal services which may involve representing a party in a protection from abuse (PFA) action, estate claims, landlord/tenants issues, driver’s license suspensions or employment issues.  While pro bono representation in these areas fly below public recognition or awareness, the trip back to the office after a few hours spent working on PFAs or helping someone recover their right to drive is one filled with satisfaction. This type of pro bono work helps everyday people with real needs and results in a true sense of personal fulfillment. It is very rewarding to know that someone may be safe from abuse or able to return to work or have a roof over their head as a result of our pro bono efforts.  Helping a pro bono client may not end with providing legal services. Pro bono clients have also been recipients of Thanksgiving food baskets, which is an annual project of Curtin & Heefner LLP.

Since Curtin & Heefner LLP is a firm comprised of specialized practice areas, often representing businesses, large corporations and banks, there are many types of pro bono cases that the firm cannot accept. As a result, attorneys are encouraged to find other areas where pro bono legal assistance can be provided. Firm attorneys have provided legal services to local families affected by the tragedies of September 11, 2001, have been involved in military programs such as wills for soldiers, and have helped with insurance issues when the Delaware River overflowed its banks in nearby Yardley, Pa., destroying and damaging homes and businesses.

In addition to their pro bono efforts, members of the firm also commit a great deal of time to community service. They traveled to the New Orleans area after hurricane Katrina and helped with rebuilding, serve on non-profit boards while assisting with legal issues that arise, and give back to the community. In fact, many local Bucks County and Montgomery County charities have been the recipients of pro bono work from Curtin & Heefner LLP attorneys in drafting by-laws, reviewing legal documents and providing legal advice as the needs arise.

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