Unum Group's Pro Bono Program: Making a Difference Through Legal Expertise

Imagine facing a complex legal challenge but lacking the resources to secure proper representation. According to the Legal Services Corporation 2022 Justice Gap Report, 92% of the civil legal needs of low-income people receive no or inadequate help, a six percentage-point increase since 2017. This is a harsh reality for many individuals and families in our communities. Thankfully, Unum Group’s talented legal team is using their skills to bridge this gap, offering legal assistance to those who need it most.

“Helping resolve a legal issue isn’t just about the legal issue itself. it often provides the individual with tremendous relief and emotional support, allowing them to move on with their lives. Everyone, regardless of income, is entitled to that support. As an attorney, I have the background and training to help – and it feels good to use my degree to serve others.”

- Sandra Livingston, AVP and Counsel

Sandra Livingston and law department employees from Portland, Chattanooga, Columbia, and remote team members spearhead the Unum Group pro bono program. Sandra, with over 26 years of Unum Group experience, understands the importance of giving back. Before the official launch in 2022, the legal department at Unum Group's Portland campus had already laid the groundwork for pro bono work. Several attorneys and other legal professionals, like Terry Coggins-Bickford, driven by a desire to make a positive impact, quietly volunteered their knowledge to those in need.

“It is important to be in tune with the community and the needs of the people around us.  We all have something to give, especially time, to support others in need.  We don’t always have all the answers, but we can lend input, direction, and compassion to help people navigate their situation and find the necessary resources. This work helps to give you a sense of purpose. It is meaningful to become part of something that will benefit someone else. It allows us to connect more with our community and make a difference. We are all so fortunate in many ways. Giving and volunteering are the best ways to reflect on that and make a difference for each other.”

- Terry Bickford, Senior Compliance Manager

However, as colleagues returned to the office after the pandemic, a strong desire emerged to formalize their volunteer efforts as they continued to reconnect and contribute meaningfully to the community. The Pro Bono program provided the perfect outlet for this yearning. 

Since the inception of this program, Unum Group’s legal department has expanded its ability to help more people needing legal counsel by partnering with organizations, including Pine Tree Legal, Volunteer Lawyers Project , and Legal Aid of Eastern Tennessee , and working with the Small Claims Clinic and Lawyer to Lawyer Referrals based in Portland, Maine. Everyone within Unum Group’s legal department, including administrative assistants, paralegals, compliance managers, and attorneys, is encouraged to participate. By harnessing collective expertise, Unum Group’s Pro Bono program has tackled critical legal issues in areas like housing, immigration, veteran affairs, and domestic violence.

With the help of three legal professionals from the Unum Group law department, Dave Canarie, VP and Chief Transactions Counsel, assists domestic violence survivors in obtaining protection orders. Dave represents his clients throughout the state via Zoom appearances at hearings. He has handled appeals to the Maine Supreme Court and conducts CLE training sessions for other lawyers practicing in Maine.

“I represent people seeking protection orders who otherwise wouldn’t have lawyers and who appear in court to confront abusers who are usually represented by counsel. I am honored to work with domestic violence survivors on their journey to seek protection from abuse.  It’s also a terrific professional development opportunity to practice law in an environment completely different from my work at Unum.”

- Dave Canarie, VP and Chief Transactions Counsel

Recently, Paul Williams, AVP, Legal Counsel, has provided legal counsel to a couple with seven children who fled the U.S. from the Republic of Congo to escape political persecution. Ten Unum Group Legal department colleagues have assisted Paul with this work. 

“This family suffered severe persecution and torture in their home country on account of the father’s membership in an opposition party. Seeing them persevere in the face of this injustice deeply inspires me and motivates me to do everything I can to help them. It has been rewarding to see them obtain a right to stay pending their asylum proceedings, obtain work permits, and find safety. I am very grateful for the unwavering support of Unum Group, which is truly embracing a caring spirit as we continue fighting for this family’s right to remain and start a new life in America.”

One particularly heartwarming aspect of Unum Group’s program is a focus on U.S. veterans. Through various community partnerships, attorneys are connected to pro bono clients to draft simple wills, power of attorney documents, and healthcare directives for veterans, providing them peace of mind and security.

The program's success would not be possible without the endorsement of senior leaders at Unum Group. Lisa Iglesias, Chief Legal Officer, actively championed the program's launch and continues to be a strong supporter. Her commitment is further evidenced by Unum Group’s recent commitment to the Corporate Pro Bono Challenge, an initiative of the Pro Bono Institute , a national non-profit devoted to supporting, enhancing and transforming the pro bono efforts of law firms, legal departments, and public interest organizations.  The goal of the Corporate Pro Bono Challenge  is to have 50% of the legal department actively participating in pro bono work – a goal the Unum Group legal department aspires to achieve in 2024.

The program's growth trajectory is impressive. It has transcended its Portland roots, now encompassing employees in Chattanooga, Columbia, and even remote workers. The program's impact is undeniable, whether helping clients navigate small claims court or securing protection from abuse orders.

The program's strategic efforts are also not a coincidence. This volunteer-powered endeavor aligns perfectly with Unum Group's commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Like many of her colleagues, Sandra believes immense satisfaction is derived from working for a company dedicated to improving the community. This program allows employees to find purpose beyond their daily tasks, adding a layer of fulfillment to their work.

“Our colleagues make tremendous contributions to the communities where we live and work each day, and this pro bono effort is another example of how we give back. For years, our legal team has shown their caring spirit in many ways, and their collective impact is making a meaningful difference for those who need these special services.”

- Cary Olson Cartwright, AVP Corporate Social Responsibility

Unum Group's Pro Bono program is a shining example of how legal expertise can be leveraged to empower individuals and families. It's a story fueled by passion, dedication, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Sources
The Justice Gap 2022 Report Release: The Unmet Civil Legal Needs of Low-Income Americans
https://www.lsc.gov/events/justice-gap-2022-report-release-unmet-civil-legal-needs-low-income-americans