What's Happening?
An Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP team, including Rene Kathalawa (Pro Bono Counsel) and Nicole Kerr (Associate), successfully secured a settlement for a survivor of gender-based violence in a civil litigation case in New York Supreme Court. The case involved
the wrongful enforcement of a child support order against Ms. B, who was improperly paying $200 per week due to a clerical error in a 2017 court order. This error left Ms. B homeless and impoverished, unable to access basic needs. Sanctuary for Families Senior Counsel Audrey Hertzberg, who was representing Ms. B in a child custody case, discovered the issue. Orrick was enlisted to navigate the complex administrative and procedural challenges, ultimately filing a civil suit for negligent collection of funds. The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) agreed to pay Ms. B the amount it had retained from its improper collection efforts, fully satisfying all claims. Concurrently, Ms. Hertzberg secured permanent physical and legal custody of Ms. B's two minor children, leading to their reunification after many years apart.
Why It's Important?
This case highlights the critical role of pro bono legal services in addressing systemic issues and protecting vulnerable individuals from administrative errors that can have devastating consequences. The successful settlement not only provided financial restitution to Ms. B but also underscored the importance of accountability for government agencies in their collection practices. For the legal community, it demonstrates how early-career associates, like Nicole Kerr, can gain significant litigation experience and make a tangible impact through pro bono work. The outcome also emphasizes the broader societal benefit of legal aid organizations like Sanctuary for Families, which connect survivors of gender-based violence with essential legal representation, ensuring their rights are upheld and they can rebuild their lives. The reunification of Ms. B with her children further illustrates the profound human impact of effective legal advocacy.
What's Next?
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP will be honored at Sanctuary for Families' Above & Beyond Awards Ceremony on October 28, 2026, for their pro bono work on this case. This recognition will likely draw further attention to the importance of pro bono services and may encourage other law firms to engage in similar initiatives. The case's resolution could also prompt a review of administrative processes within the Office of Child Support Services to prevent similar clerical errors and ensure proper enforcement of child support orders. For Ms. B, the settlement and reunification with her children mark a significant step towards stability and recovery. The experience gained by the Orrick team, particularly Nicole Kerr, will contribute to their professional development and future legal endeavors.
Beyond the Headlines
This case delves into the less visible but deeply impactful consequences of administrative inefficiencies within legal and governmental systems. The clerical error, seemingly minor, led to years of financial hardship and emotional distress for Ms. B, illustrating how bureaucratic oversights can disproportionately affect those already in vulnerable positions. The pro bono intervention by Orrick not only rectified a specific injustice but also served as a powerful affirmation of Ms. B's dignity and rights, which had been eroded by the system. The narrative also subtly highlights the ethical responsibility of legal professionals to leverage their expertise for public good, especially when individuals lack the resources to challenge institutional errors. This outcome could inspire broader discussions about legal aid funding, access to justice, and the need for more robust oversight mechanisms within public service agencies to prevent such profound personal suffering caused by administrative missteps.
