NLSA BRIEFS:
Mary K. Austin, Esq.
The Honorable Ralph J. Cappy
W. Thomas McGough, Esq.
Robert V. Racunas, Esq.
Jaime S. Tuite, Esq.
Michelle DeBord, Esq.
Marion Laffey-Ferry, Esq.
Bruce Lammel, Esq.
A peek behind the scenes at the dedication of NLSA staff to clients facing imminent loss of shelter, life-sustaining benefits, personal safety or other essentials. DeBord also speaks about the significant contributions of this public interest law firm to the legal profession overall.
Get the rest of the story. These mini-videos feature excerpts from on-camera interviews with NLSA staff, board members, private bar partners and honorable alumni. Collectively, NLSA Briefs add important context to the unique perspectives shared in NLSA’s signature video: “Equal Access – Shared Benefits.”
UPMC attorney and NLSA Board member Mary Austin sees much to be gained —— personally, professionally and for the community as a whole — when ethical and moral obligations meet in support of equal access.
A unique view from behind the bench and beyond. Former Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Cynthia Baldwin, now General Counsel for the Pennsylvania State University, shares a global perspective on equal access that began decades ago in the McKeesport office of NLSA.
A lifelong public servant, the late Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court shares his observations about NLSA, the role of the private bar on the front lines of equal access and his hopes for the future of legal services.
The rule of law exists only to the extent that members of the private bar ensure access to “open courts” as guaranteed by our Constitution. That is the view of solo practitioner Marion Laffey-Ferry who works with NLSA to uphold that guarantee, one pro bono case at a time.
A corporate citizenship success story. As a pro bono partner for NLSA, Corporate Attorney Bruce Lammel describes a public-private collaboration that is giving vulnerable clients a fighting chance against predatory lenders.
The Honorable Cynthia A. Baldwin
An eloquent case for support from a leader of NLSA’s annual Equal Justice Campaign. Reed Smith Partner Tom McGough touches on rationale, responsibility, accountability and more in this succinct message to both colleagues and the community.
NLSA’s Executive Director summarizes the challenges of meeting an ever-rising demand for civil legal assistance in southwestern Pennsylvania. Racunas also acknowledges the critical role of the private bar in sustaining NLSA’s capacity to provide legal recourse for clients with no other place to turn.
Why wait to become a pro bono volunteer? A busy Associate in a large law firm, NLSA Board Member Jaime Tuite argues convincingly for early involvement in ensuring equal justice.
