Pro Bono Volunteer Spotlight

The Eric C. Conn Social Security fraud resulted in thousands of low-income and deserving eastern Kentuckians losing their social security benefits. Sadly, the only thing they people did wrong was hire a prominent lawyer. The Conn crisis has been absolutely devastating for low-income disabled people in our communities. Hearings continue nearly a decade later.

Perhaps, the only bright spot has been the thousands of law students and attorneys from Kentucky and across the country who have volunteered over the past nine years to represent former Conn clients. Recently, AppalReD Legal Aid has been getting another round of hearing notices for former clients of Eric Conn. The victims of Eric Conn and the Social Security judges' bribery scheme still need help.

Thankfully, new volunteers have stepped up to the plate as long-term volunteers retire or take on other efforts.

Just this week, Florida attorney Kara Skorupa joined AppalReD Legal Aid's Pro Bono Program as our newest volunteer and took 13 Conn cases! We are so grateful to Kara for her willingness to help. A former SSA staff attorney, she has subsequently represented claimants privately for years. She says, "I just want to make sure these people actually get the help they need in a timely manner."