Pro Bono Legal Services

            Updike, Kelly & Spellacy encourages its attorneys to devote a meaningful amount of time or resources to providing pro bono legal service. The firm believes that, as lawyers, we have the resources and ability to assist persons of limited financial means and charitable or nonprofit organizations to deal with the legal system and that provision of legal services on a pro bono basis fulfills our responsibilities as good citizens in our communities. 

            For the last several years, the firm has been assisting battered women in obtaining Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in the Family Courts in the Hartford area. Since the inception of this program, UKS has helped many women gain legal protection from abusive partners and move forward with their lives without the fear and threat of harm. Most of these clients are referred by Greater Hartford Legal Aid. UKS attorneys have been honored by both Greater Hartford Legal Aid and the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence for their service in pro bono cases. 

            UKS attorneys have also been appointed by the federal district court to represent current and former prison inmates in civil claims against Department of Correction personnel for alleged violations of constitutional rights and other claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, including claims related to free speech, privacy, cruel and unusual punishment, retaliation, and negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress. 

            Similarly, UKS attorneys have been appointed by the federal bankruptcy court as mediators to assist parties in resolving disputes in bankruptcy matters. 

            The firm’s Pro Bono Committee reviews the merits of each matter and assigns attorneys based upon their experience and interest in specific pro bono causes.
 

Pro Bono Committee

Chair: 
Richard S. Order, Shareholder

Members: 
Jennifer M. Egan, Shareholder 
Paul N. Gilmore, Shareholder 
Thomas A. Gugliotti, Shareholder