What's Happening?
Jenner & Block has been recognized for its significant pro bono contributions, particularly in two major legal areas: reducing exploitative communication rates for incarcerated individuals and addressing deed theft. The firm played a pivotal role in securing
a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) order in July 2024, which reduced the high costs of communication services for incarcerated people. This effort was part of a long-standing campaign initiated by Martha Wright-Reed, which culminated in the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022. Additionally, Jenner & Block successfully fought to return a home to elderly clients in Queens, New York, who were victims of deed theft. This case set a precedent for voiding fraudulent deeds through a coordinated civil and criminal litigation approach.
Why It's Important?
The reduction in communication rates for incarcerated individuals is significant as it addresses a long-standing issue of high costs that hindered contact between inmates and their families, potentially impacting recidivism rates. The FCC's reforms, influenced by Jenner & Block's advocacy, have nationwide implications, lowering rates and banning ancillary fees. This benefits incarcerated individuals and their families by making communication more affordable. The deed theft case highlights a growing national issue where vulnerable homeowners are targeted. Jenner & Block's innovative legal strategy not only restored the property to its rightful owners but also established a legal framework for addressing similar fraud cases, influencing future litigation and policy discussions.
What's Next?
The FCC's reforms are expected to continue impacting the communications landscape for incarcerated individuals, with ongoing monitoring and potential adjustments to ensure fair rates. In the realm of deed theft, the precedent set by Jenner & Block's case may lead to more coordinated legal approaches, combining civil and criminal strategies to combat fraud. Legal and policy discussions may focus on further strengthening property recording systems and verification protocols to prevent such frauds. The firm's methodologies could be adopted by other legal entities and influence broader systemic changes in how similar cases are handled.
Beyond the Headlines
Jenner & Block's work exemplifies how targeted legal advocacy can drive systemic change while addressing individual injustices. The firm's approach in the deed theft case, which considered the clients' vulnerabilities as central to the legal strategy, sets a model for addressing elder and consumer fraud. This case also underscores the importance of integrating civil and criminal legal strategies to effectively combat complex fraud schemes. The broader impact of these efforts may lead to increased awareness and reforms in both the legal and regulatory frameworks governing communication services and property rights.
