Stories from the Pro Bono Underground

Below is a first-person account by Cody Passman, chair of the BRBF Pro Bono Committee, of the events that followed his acceptance of a pro bono case.

After participating in the free BRBA Social Security disability CLE, I was assigned a case involving a young woman who had been receiving disability benefits as child. Due to complications at birth, she was left with an intellectual disability and, over time, developed additional mental health problems. She graduated high school but received a special certificate of completion instead of a diploma. Once she turned 18, her claim was reviewed using the adult standards and denied. The decision was appealed and a “hearing” was scheduled in front of an administrator. 

I met the client and her mother to go over her case shortly after she received her certificate of completion. The client appeared unkempt and reserved. The mother informed me that she was moving to New Jersey and leaving her daughter in Baton Rouge to live with the daughter's godparent. The client's only source of income was her benefits. She needed that money to pay for her rent, food, clothes and medical care. Well, the “hearing” was a success and she was approved to continue receiving benefits.

As an attorney who solely practices SSA disability, this case was a first for me. I have never represented a client going through the continuing disability review process. I did not know what to expect but prepared the client as if we were going in for a typical hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge. Once the decision was received, the client was elated when I broke the news that she was approved. I could hear her yelling through the house that she was approved. She had to calm down to continue talking to me. Shortly after, the mother called me very relieved. She told me that she was grateful for my help and will be recommending me to anyone that needed assistance with their Social Security application.


To volunteer to accept a pro bono case, contact either of our pro bono coordinators: 
Robin at 226-214-5561 or robin@brba.org, or Caroline at 225-215-5558 or caroline@brba.org.