Through a referral from Dade Legal Aid – Put Something Back, I had the privilege of representing an individual in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The client had accumulated significant unsecured medical and credit card debts she could no longer manage, and with her limited resources, she was desperate for a way out. With the assistance of my paralegal Patty Hornia, we spent quite a bit of time reviewing the Debtor’s financial documents, prepared and filed her petition, attended the meeting of creditors, and ensured she received a discharge of her debts. Ultimately, the court entered her discharge in June 2025, and the trustee filed a final report the following month, formally closing her case 4 months after the petition was filed.
What struck me most about this matter was how modest my efforts were in comparison to the life-changing effect the result had on my client. For me, the work involved a manageable commitment of time and resources. But for her, the discharge represented the chance to start fresh, free of the weight of a debt load that was crushing her. She expressed profound gratitude; not just for the outcome, but also for the patience, guidance, and reassurance provided along the way.
Since the conclusion of the case, she has continued to send kind words and even tokens of appreciation, including a box of middle eastern pastries! Her gratitude has been a reminder that pro bono service does not just change financial circumstances; it restores dignity, hope, and stability. This experience underscores why the Section’s commitment to pro bono matters is so vital: the impact on clients’ lives far outweighs the effort required, making even a single case profoundly meaningful.