BLC is honored to be a long-time recipient of sponsorship support from renowned law group, Douglas Drachler, Mckee & Gilbrough, LLP (DDMG). We are also grateful to work closely in a partnership that operates as a safety net for individuals with disabilities across the Puget Sound. Together, our attorneys break down barriers in the complex Social Security system to retain and/or gain Social Security benefits, which leads to housing and economic stability for people in poverty.
Over a decade ago, Amy Gilbrough – now a Partner at DDMG – became familiar with BLC’s social security advocacy through her friend and law partner who, at the time, was a law student working with BLC. Amy’s knowledge and support for BLC only grew as she learned more about our aligned missions to provide accessible and affordable legal advocacy to people living with physical and mental disabilities so they may obtain the resources necessary to gain financial and medical stability. For 40 years, DDMG attorneys have focused on helping clients establish that they are disabled and ensuring that they receive the appropriate public benefits. When a former client encounters a post-entitlement issue – like a continuing disability review or resource issue – DDMG provides advice, guidance, and representation.
Unable to support all the underrepresented clients that come knocking, Amy and other DDMG attorneys refer them to BLC’s experienced Social Security lawyers. In return, DDMG’s attorneys have accepted referrals from BLC in federal court cases, which BLC does not have the capacity to take on. It has been a mutually beneficial partnership that led to DDMG’s financial investment of our services nine years ago – in the form of a sponsorship funding – that carries us through today.
To bring credit and awareness to our accessible legal aid, Amy recently said: “BLC’s work is vital. The Social Security bar is small and is unable to shoulder the post-entitlement work BLC takes on because there is only so much pro bono work we can do. While we focus on obtaining benefits for our clients, BLC’s work in assisting and helping people with disabilities to keep their benefits ensures that the community-wide safety net remains intact for a very vulnerable population. Thank you for the work you do!”
We want to send a resounding THANK YOU to Amy and the DDMG team! Your ongoing contributions make a difference in the lives of people in our community that need it the most.
