Through Husch Blackwell’s partnership with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, we are changing how some of the historically excluded populations in our community access attorneys and the legal system. Husch Blackwell’s Pro Bono Legal Intake Clinic demonstrates our commitment to protecting our clients' rights by connecting attorneys to individuals in need of legal services, but who might not otherwise have the opportunity to engage these services.
Case overview
For over ten years, client Jane Doe was the victim of her twin sister’s bad decisions. In 2012, Doe’s identical twin was arrested for driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident, and operating a motor vehicle without a driver’s license. Doe’s twin gave the arresting officers Jane Doe’s name instead of her own. As a result, Doe’s undeserved record has undermined her opportunities for jobs and her ability to obtain a driver’s license.
How Husch Blackwell helped
Doe met with Husch Blackwell attorneys through the firm’s Pro Bono Legal Intake Clinic at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. After engaging Doe, the attorney team of Laura Robinson and Brock West drafted a petition requesting expungement under 610.145, RSMo, “Stolen or mistaken identity” and 610.130, RSMo, “Alcohol-related driving offenses.” The firm secured a successful decision from the 21st Judicial Circuit Court of St. Louis County in June 2022.
Pro Bono Legal Intake Clinic
The Legal Clinic is led by Aleks Rushing and Kayla Loveless where Husch Blackwell attorneys across all practice specialties and industry groups volunteer to meet with neighbors regarding their potential legal needs on a pro bono basis and then assist in the process of finding solutions to address the legal issue presented. Husch Blackwell has provided legal services to hundreds of low-income families in St. Louis as a result of this successful program.