The Ford v. Kavanaugh story had the nation gripping their seats as the drama unfolded live on September 28th, 2018. Professor Christine Blasey Ford came forward with a testimony against Judge Brett Kavanaugh, accusing him of assaulting her over 30 years ago. Although observers noted that the case could be seen as a woman versus a man, Democrats versus Republicans, or simply a victim versus an attacker, the story revived the #metoo campaign. [1]
Whatever side of the fence you sat on, there’s no denying that the story was a nail biter, and drew the attention of millions of people. Across the globe, millions of men and women applauded Ford for coming forward with her story, in the hopes that it would encourage others who have faced sexual assault to do so as well. On the other hand, millions also questioned Ford’s allegation, and wanted to know why Ford came out with her story only recently.
Either way, pro bono stole the limelight yet again. Debra Katz and Michael Bromwich were the pro bono attorneys who advocated Ford’s case against Kavanaugh. Ford’s lawyers confirmed that they were representing her pro bono and that they sought no financial gain from their efforts. [2] The pro bono lawyer community was commended for going above and beyond the call of duty to fight for a worthy cause.
Michael Bromwich said, “both her counsel are doing this pro bono.”
“We are not being paid,” he said. “And we have no expectations of being paid.”
Ford’s legal representation came under scrutiny by the opposition regarding her polygraph, the proceedings of her case, and her legal team. Ford was asked how she would cover costs, and told the committee that she was unsure whether her legal team was representing her pro bono. However, both Katz and Bromwich later fully confirmed that they were working on her behalf, pro bono. In addition to the pro bono legal aid, she also received donations via crowdfunding for covering the costs of her case. However, Ford had not used the money received via donations. [3]
It’s stories like Ford versus Kavanaugh that bring the legal pro bono community together. Pro bono lawyers are committed to selflessly serving the underdog, and this instance helped them shine yet again.
Links
- https://www.nbcnews.com/card/ford-s-lawyers-say-they-are-representing-her-pro-bono-n914206
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/09/27/analysis-kavanaugh-ford-comes-down-test-credibility/1440493002/
- https://www.google.co.in/amp/s/www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/articles/2018-09-27/republican-questioning-about-ford-s-legal-costs-comes-up-dry
