Katten Lauded by LAF for Its Commitment to the Pro Bono Legal Clinic

LAF, Illinois' leading provider of free legal services to people living in poverty, published a profile on the Katten Legal Clinic and spoke with Jonathan Baum, Pro Bono Services director, and Keith Forrest, litigation paralegal supervisor. In 2013, Katten partnered with LAF and the Law Project to establish the clinic at José de Diego Community Academy in order to assist low-income families and children connected with the public school. On the third Wednesday of each month, Katten attorneys tackle issues involving public benefits, housing and family law. "I have always seen the law, imperfect as it is, as an instrument for making things more fair," said Jonathan, adding, "But it only works if you have a skilled and dedicated lawyer."

Keith, who manages the legal clinic, appreciates that the issues arising at José de Diego push attorneys to step outside their comfort zone and seek creative solutions. "The most important service we can provide [is] to assist individuals in creating a road map so that they arrive where they need to be in their lives," he said. "I think that, so often, when you work outside the pro bono field, you tend to forget that not everyone can afford our [services]," said Keith. ("Keith Forrest, Jonathan Baum, and Katten Muchin Rosenman: Taking a Stand for All of Chicago," June 14, 2016)