Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services

CLIENT SUCCESS STORY When Mr. Wilkins reached out to CPBLS, he was grappling with the sudden and heartbreaking loss of his child's mother. Despite being a dedicated and loving father who had been co-parenting successfully—and even serving as the primary caregiver for his 15-year-old child for several years—Mr. Wilkins faced an unexpected obstacle: he was not listed on his child’s birth certificate. This oversight, though seemingly small, created a ripple of challenges following the mother's passing. Without being named on the birth certificate, Mr. Wilkins was unable to obtain a copy from vital records. As a result, he and his child found themselves at a standstill. The lack of this crucial document meant his child couldn’t secure a driver’s permit, accept a part-time job offer, or even participate in an eagerly anticipated school trip. These small but significant milestones were slipping away, adding to the weight of their grief. As a result of the efforts of our Staff Attorney, Mr. Wilkins was able to obtain a court-ordered recognition of paternity. This allowed him to be officially added to his child’s birth certificate, granting him the ability to advocate for his child’s legal and personal needs. Now, Mr. Wilkins and his child can move forward without these barriers, knowing their rights are protected. Although names have been changed from this story, this is a real-life testament to the importance of the work by our team at CPBLS. We will continue to work to make sure our underserved community received the legal representation they deserve.

Today, Charleston Pro Bono celebrates the life and enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a champion of justice, equality, and compassion. His dream of a more equitable world continues to inspire our mission to provide accessible legal services to those in need. Dr. King once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” These words remind us of the importance of fighting for fairness and opportunity for those who most need it in our community. At CPBLS, we are proud to serve as advocates for the underserved, working to break down barriers and create meaningful change in their lives and our community. Our office will be closed 1/20 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. #MLKjrday #MLKDay #martinlutherking #CharlestonProBono #LegalAid #Charleston #AccessToJustice #JusticeGap #CharlestonAttorney #HousingCourt #ProBono #ProBonoLawyer

We're almost to our goal of $20,00!! Last year, support from donors like you helped Charleston Pro Bono impact over 4,000 lives, but there’s still more to do—and you can help us do it. For a limited time, every dollar you donate will be matched by our Board of Directors, doubling the difference you make until Jan. 31. 💙 This is your chance to help low-income families access the legal aid they desperately need, ensuring stability and justice in our community. ⚖️ Together, we can bridge the justice gap. 🕒 Don’t wait—make your tax-deductible gift before the campaign ends! Donate now: https://lnkd.in/ehQ_HRd5 #CharlestonProBono #JusticeForAll #ProBonoLawyer #AccessToJustice #YearEndGiving

Exciting news: we have another Professor in our ranks! Staff Attorney, Mary Templeton, will be co-teaching our Housing Clinic this semester. She’s picked up her credentials and is ready to go for our first class this Friday!

At Charleston Pro Bono, every story we touch becomes part of our own. Recently, we received a deeply moving review from a former client, and it’s a reminder of why we do what we do. To this client and every individual we’ve had the privilege to support: thank you for trusting CPBLS with your journey. You’re the reason we’re here. To those in need of legal assistance, we’re here for you, too. #CharlestonProBono #LegalAid #Charleston #AccessToJustice #JusticeGap #CharlestonAttorney #HousingCourt #ProBono #ProBonoLawyer

CPBLS participated in #WearBlueDay in recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. This annual observance shines a spotlight on the urgent need to address and prevent human trafficking, a pervasive issue impacting communities across the globe and here at home. By wearing blue, we join a collective effort to honor survivors and amplify the call to action against this crime. Awareness is a critical step in combating human trafficking, and we are committed to educating, advocating, and supporting efforts to bring justice to survivors. At Charleston Pro Bono, we stand firmly in support of this cause and encourage everyone to take part in raising awareness and promoting meaningful change. #CharlestonProBono #WearBlueDay #NationalHumanTraffickingAwarenessDay #EndHumanTrafficking

We love checking the mail at CPBLS! 📬📩 When our victim's rights attorneys get mail, it often contains long awaited T-Visas, new social security cards, and work permits. The civil legal needs of trafficking survivors are complicated and require a shrewd and dedicated advocate. The payoff is certainly worth the fight.

Recently, CPBLS was featured by Trident United Way in their Impact Spotlight for receiving two Changemaker Grants this past year. In their write-up, you can read about how our missions intersect and how Trident United Way was able to provide critical funding to support our mission to provide legal services to those who need it most. Thank you Trident United Way for all of your support! ⬇️ Read their full write up here: One of the ways Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services is committed to transforming lives in Charleston is offering essential legal assistance to individuals and families facing eviction. In South Carolina, where an eviction can leave a lasting mark on one’s record, their work is crucial in preventing homelessness and fostering stability within the community. This year, Charleston Pro Bono received two separate Trident United Way Changemaker Grants. The first grant specifically targets services for the ALICE® population, enhancing their capacity to assist those facing housing challenges. With TUW’s support, Charleston Pro Bono has expanded their outreach, enabling them to help even more individuals and families in need. In the often overwhelming landscape of housing insecurity, one story stands out to Housing Court Coordinator Natalie Sorrem—a powerful testament to the importance of support in overcoming adversity. She reflects on the journey of a single mother with five children who faced the looming threat of eviction. “This client came to us with a government voucher that helps cover a portion of her rent,” Natalie recounts. “But if the eviction went through, that voucher would be terminated. Losing it would mean not just losing her home, but also a crucial lifeline for her family.” Government vouchers play a significant role in ensuring affordable housing for low-income families. They adjust based on income, allowing individuals to secure housing that aligns with their financial situation. For this mother, the potential loss of her voucher meant an uncertain future for her and her children. “The importance of that voucher cannot be overstated,” Natalie explains. “It’s critical for managing her rent and sustaining her housing. Facing eviction meant that everything she had worked for could be taken away in an instant.” Fortunately, Charleston Pro Bono stepped in to provide the necessary assistance. Their Housing Team represented her in Housing Court and negotiated a settlement that would keep an eviction off of her record and keep her voucher intact. They were then able to use the Changemaker Grant funds for her security deposit, ensuring a smooth transition into safe, affordable housing. “Knowing that her children would have a safe place to stay was incredibly rewarding for all of us.”

The Board of Directors of Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services is pleased to announce the promotion of Alissa Lietzow to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This title change reflects Alissa’s exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to advancing our mission. Alissa has been instrumental in driving CPBLS forward during her 9-year tenure with us, and we look forward to continued growth and impact under her guidance. Please join us in congratulating Alissa on this well-deserved recognition.

We've extended the application deadline to accommodate 1Ls who are just now able to apply for summer positions. Share this with your super smart, kind-hearted, hard-working law students!