One Client's Justice Journey

Imagine having serious health issues and then losing your job. For most of us it is our nightmare, for Samantha it was reality. Following a seizure and several health issues, Samantha lost her job. Worried and uncertain what to do she thought she could just tell the Unemployment Board the truth and she would get unemployment. She did not know the employer would have an attorney who argued her leaving was voluntary. Frustrated and frightened she did not know how to combat this. She lost. Suddenly she found herself at food pantries and on the verge of homelessness. What could she do? This is when she found Administer Justice.

Samantha tried to file an appeal in court but the judge terrified her. When she called Administer Justice volunteer, Cindy Angarola, encouraged her and planted seeds of hope. Samantha met with volunteer attorney Joseph Lovelace. His concern and care gave her a measure of peace as he told her Administer Justice would look for an attorney to represent her. Her hope was fueled further when she received the letter from Bruce saying Administer Justice would do its best to locate an attorney within two weeks. Then the call came. Teri Jacobs enthusiastically told her Agnes Jury would meet with her.

Before her hopes could be fully realized there were significant challenges ahead. Agnes Jury recalls the obstacles they faced,

"The case was a challenge because an appeal to the Circuit Court from the decision of the Board of Review has very limited grounds and therefore limited chances of success. I drafted a brief in support of our appeal emphasizing the fact that my client did not quit her job and was not dismissed due to misconduct, therefore qualifying for unemployment benefits. I sat next to Samantha as I did the oral arguments and listened to the decision of the judge: 'Decision of the Board of Review is reversed, Petitioner is granted Unemployment Benefits'.

"You are the only one
who believed me."

Samantha first cried silently and then said to me: 'You are the only one who believed me'.

I was caught off guard. While I was happy she would receive the much needed unemployment benefits, I was moved by how happy Samantha was that I believed her...or maybe believed in her.

This experience really reminded me and made me proud of who I am. I am not just an "Attorney" or "Esquire", I am an "Advocate". As an advocate my job is to speak on behalf of my client because my client may lack the knowledge, ability, skill, or standing to speak for him or herself, whether compensated or not. Samantha now volunteers at Administer Justice once a week as a receptionist, happy to be a helpful hand in an area of need.

I look forward to the next challenging case from Administer Justice and I encourage you to take on cases from Administer Justice as well. It is very rewarding to make a difference in someone's life and I am glad I have the opportunity to serve through Administer Justice."

If you would like to join Agnes, Cindy, Joe, Teri and others in making a difference e-mail help@administerjustice.org.