Bousquet Holstein PLLC is pleased to announce that Erika Hooker and Anna Putintseva have been recognized in the 2021 Pro Bono Champions awards by the Volunteer Lawyers Project of Onondaga County.
Bousquet Holstein, as a firm, covers Thursdays in the Volunteer Lawyers Project Landlord Tenant Court Clinic, where free legal advice and representation is provided to low-income tenants via their hotline number.
Each week, Erika organizes the schedule of volunteer attorneys, relays trainings and changes in the law, and recruits more attorneys to volunteer along with taking client calls through the hotline. In these calls, Erika will walk through the tenant’s situation, what their rights are, whether they are facing eviction, and possible defenses. Additionally, she will occasionally take on longer term representation of tenants in unique situations when VLP is unable to support the tenant.
“The work I am able to do with VLP is largely the result of their amazing staff and programs that create a structure to get free legal help to the community. I’m proud of how community minded Bousquet Holstein is as a firm, and how Pro Bono work is encouraged and supported. Many attorneys in the firm volunteer in different areas of the law and I learn from their example!” Erika said.
Anna Putintseva is being recognized for her work with VLP’s Immigration Law Program for providing immigration law support to our local immigrant community. Anna meets with clients to interview them and assess their legal needs, provides immigration law advice, prepares petitions and applications for immigration benefits and guides clients through the immigration process.
“It is important that we, as a community, welcome newcomers, inform them about their rights and opportunities, help them reunite with their families, and support them while they apply their talents and skills in the new place. My participation in the VLP’s Immigration Law Program is an amazing opportunity allowing me to make a tangible impact on people’s lives! I am thankful for all the support that VLP staff and Bousquet Holstein PLLC provides in this process,” Anna said.
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Erika Hooker Anna Putintseva
