Everyone deserves a second chance.
For Mr. Jones*, who spent time in prison for mistakes made earlier in his life, that second chance came when he found a job through a staffing agency, and after a few months of hard work, was offered a permanent position with the company. Mr. Jones was thrilled to have found full-time employment and was looking forward to being a part of the team. However, on his first day as a permanent worker, Mr. Jones was fired. The company had discovered an old criminal conviction, which he had not noted in his original application. Though the conviction was from years ago and unconnected to his ability to do the job, Mr. Jones was let go.
“I felt helpless, humiliated, and crushed,” said Mr. Jones. “We aren’t our past and we aren’t our past convictions. Serving my time to society wasn’t enough.”
Mr. Jones decided to fight the employer’s decision and filed a lawsuit without an attorney in federal court, alleging wrongful termination. The Magistrate Judge assigned to the case asked J. Cunyon Gordon, Director of the Settlement Assistance Program at Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, to find legal representation for Mr. Jones.
Cunyon reviewed Mr. Jones’s claims and reached out to the pool of pro bono attorneys to find legal counsel to represent him in settlement proceedings. “He made a mistake when he was young and was being made to pay for it, instead of getting the fresh start that he deserved.” Gordon said. “Fortunately, a new law, the Employee Background Fairness Act of 2021, prohibits employers in the state from disqualifying job applicants with conviction records, and this would add significant legal weight to Mr. Jones’ claim.”
Erin McAdams Franzblau and Katie Krysan of Freeborn and Peters, LLP, stepped up and agreed to represent Mr. Jones. These two attorneys fought hard for the client and secured a confidential, but favorable settlement for him.
Attorneys McAdams Franzblau and Krysan were pleased with the result, stating, “The SAP is a very worthwhile program that allows attorneys the opportunity to provide pro bono services in a discrete project (obtaining a settlement) while also serving the underrepresented. We wholly recommend the program to all those interested in pro bono in federal court.”
Mr. Jones expressed gratitude to his attorneys. “I represent the African American man with a prior conviction. They gave me a win which gave me a chance [at] life.”
This case exemplifies the core mission of Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights – securing racial equity and economic opportunity for all. The Settlement Assistance Program assists approximately 70 pro se litigants each year.
Support this work by making your gift to Chicago Lawyers’ Committee today and help us continue to fight for the many self-represented individuals who would greatly benefit from the assistance of legal counsel in seeking justice.
*names of parties omitted for confidentiality