SearchMVLS could not provide free civil legal service without the generosity of our attorneys and tax professionals. Learn why MVLS Volunteer, Susan D. Baker accepts tangled-title and expungement cases to make a difference in her community.
Why is Pro Bono Important?
Pro Bono is important because it enables me to use the skill and experience I’ve gained over 40 years of legal practice to help people with few resources fix problems they have in the most important aspects of their lives. I’ve helped untangle titles so the heirs of the deceased owners of property are assured of ownership of their homes. By expunging criminal records, I’ve helped enable people to become employed and housed.
How is volunteering making a difference in your community?
Taking a tangled title case makes a difference in my community because not only is the individual benefitted but the problem of vacancy is ameliorated. Once an owner becomes the legal owner of a home and eligible for tax credits, the owner has the incentive to occupy and improve the home. Persons with expunged criminal records are better able to become fully contributing members of a community.
Why do you take cases in your particular legal area?
I took tangled title and expungement cases because those cases result in direct benefit to individuals.
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