Our attorneys are involved in numerous pro bono initiatives to advance our firm's commitment and dedication to pro bono service in both our local and national communities. Below are a few of the many causes we support with pro bono service. Volunteers throughout the firm represent clients from various countries of origin seeking asylum in the United States as a path toward citizenship. Following the overthrow of the Afghanistan government in , the firm immediately organized a team of attorneys focused on assisting Afghan asylum seekers fleeing danger from the Taliban.
Dozens of Blank Rome volunteers have and continue to work on Afghan asylum cases in collaboration with HIAS-Pennsylvania—a nonprofit refugee resettlement organization—securing many successful grants of asylum for their clients. Our pro bono work focused on supporting those with past involvement in the criminal justice system includes seeking pardons for low-income clients whose minor and non-violent criminal records are preventing them from achieving their social and career potentials.
We also secure criminal expungements and record sealing for those previously incarcerated who are trying to improve their lives. Blank Rome helps local micro-entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit leaders identify and address key legal issues that may impact their success. A significant focus of our work with veterans is on seeking military discharge upgrades. We are committed to ensuring that all eligible voters are able to cast their ballot and have that ballot counted.
After several years of litigation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania conceded that our client did not deserve the death penalty and agreed to vacate his capital sentence. In , our client was resentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole and was removed from death row.
In , after nearly two decades of representing this client, he was released from prison. Our firm provides pro bono advance planning assistance to low-income seniors, veterans, and people with illnesses and disabilities. The assistance includes preparing wills, living wills, and healthcare and financial powers of attorney. Blank Rome is committed to providing legal and advocacy services aimed at preventing homelessness for individuals and families in our communities.
