Associate Joan Tsang recently achieved a positive outcome in a pro bono matter she handled through the firm’s partnership with the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center (CVLC). In this summary process eviction case, an honorably discharged former Marine and his family members, including his minor grandson, faced eviction from the home they had been renting for about a decade. The former Marine had been working in the restaurant industry up until the pandemic, but due to various unforeseen factors, including current economic and industry conditions, had been out of work and owed significant back rent.
The eviction action began at the end of May and the case progressed over the course of the summer. Joan asserted various special defenses in the matter and communicated with her client throughout the process, counseling him in his best interests while also taking into consideration the best interests of his family.
In early September, Joan and her client went to the Middletown Superior Court for trial of his summary process eviction case. Prior to trial, she resolved the matter through negotiation, achieving the best possible outcome for her client. The former Marine and his family members would stay in the property through the end of October without paying rent or use and occupancy, giving them time to find a suitable apartment elsewhere. Throughout the process, Joan stayed in touch with CVLC, and they are now coordinating with Social Services to help the former Marine and his family find new housing.
Through Halloran Sage’s partnership with CVLC, the firm has provided pro bono direct representation to low-income veterans and others facing homelessness for over 11 years.