If you have a legal problem and very low income, call Statewide Legal Services at 1-800-453-3320 or get free legal information at ctlawhelp.org.
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Security Deposit Clinic
Name of Non-Profit Agency::
Statewide Legal Services
Contact::
Claudia Magnan
Pro Bono Clinic Coordinator
cmagnan@slsct.org
860-852-1252
Why is this assistance important to these clients?:
The money from a Security Deposit is often needed for a Security Deposit in another apartment. For low income people, any source of money needs to be pursued.
Who are the clients?:
Low income clients.
What legal problem do these clients face?:
Pro se clients suing in Small Claims to reclaim wrongfully withheld security deposits.
What legal strategies do the pro bono lawyers use to assist the clients?:
Pro Bono volunteers help fill out the Small Claims court paperwork and give advice on how clients can represent themselves in court.
What are the outcome goals of this assistance?:
Clients will have the chance to represent themselves in Small Claims court.
What time commitment is required to do this pro bono work?:
The clinics are 3 hours long.
Where is the pro bono work done? (at a legal aid office at the pro bono attorneys office etc.)?:
We have two locations for our Security Deposit Clinics:<br><br>Hartford - Greater Hartford Legal Aid - 2nd Wednesday of the month.<br><br>New Haven - New Haven Legal Assistance the 3rd Tuesday of the month.
Give a short (1-paragraph) case example::
John and his wife moved from their apartment. After their move they wrote a letter to Landlord asking for the return of their security deposit ($1200.00). <br><br>They have not heard from the landlord even though they left the apartment in good condition. <br><br>They need the money to pay the security deposit to their current landlord who agreed to rent to them and let them pay the current security deposit when they get their old deposit returned.
Does this pro bono work require full admission to practice in Connecticut?:
Yes
If it is important that a pro bono lawyer already have particular legal background or training please describe.:
Short training or observing 3 clinics before doing a clinic on ones own.
What training is provided to pro bono lawyers doing this work?:
See above.
Who provides the training?:
Security Deposit trainings are offered through the CBA. For those who can’t attend the trainings, the materials can be made available and they can observe the clinics as they happen.
Who are the adverse parties (if any) for this type of work (e.g. landlords spouses banks government entities)?:
Landlords.
At what time of day is the pro bono work done (evening clinic etc.)?:
Evening clinic – 5:30 to 8:30.
Does this pro bono work require full admission to practice in Connecticut?:
Yes