BB&K Earns Favorable Ruling on Behalf of Pro Bono Foster Care Client

Best Best & Krieger LLP Partner Leeann Habte and Associate Ryan Guiboa recently earned a fully favorable decision from the Social Security Administration on behalf of their pro bono client, a young adult who is transitioning out of the Los Angeles foster care system.

After advocating for their client’s right to receive supplemental security income since 2018, the L.A. Alliance for Children’s Rights came to Leeann and Ryan to represent the client in an administrative hearing. The matter was heard in September 2021 by an administrative law judge who, based on testimonies from medical experts, found the claimant to be disabled and unable to earn a living wage due to a severe learning disorder.

Thanks to the work of Leeann and Ryan, their client will have an opportunity to, for the first time, live independent of the foster care program as an adult.

Leeann, Ryan and others at BB&K have been serving L.A.’s Alliance for Children’s Rights for 15 years, advocating for children and caretakers in the foster care system.

“We are honored to give back to the community in this way,” Leeann stated. “As attorneys, it’s our duty to advocate for those without a voice, without financial means, and in particular children without the support of a family, to ensure a stronger community and next generation.”