Pro bono attorney Lee Kellison accepted a foreclosure defense case back in 2010. Patience and persistence paid off and in July 2015, the homeowners achieved their goal to stay in their home with a manageable loan modification.
Kellison provides the story:
What were the basic facts of your case?
My clients’ home was being foreclosed. We took some steps in defense of the foreclosure and to try to achieve a loan modification but there was a title dispute involving the adjacent neighbor’s property.
Apparently the neighbors sold their property and the deed had an incorrect property description that affected the clients’ property. Because of the dispute, the case was dormant for a couple of years with no activity until the title dispute was resolved.
What were you able to accomplish for your clients?
Eventually, after many attempts, we obtained a loan modification with a lower interest rate and lower payments.
For the past six years, I represented my clients in their mortgage foreclosure case that was filed in 2009. It just ended this month with the clients finally getting a loan modification and the final judgment being vacated.
Just imagine the relief they felt when the fight came to an end.
Why was the outcome important to your clients?
My clients had worked very hard to purchase their home, so they were clear that it was worth the fight and the time spent in negotiation of the loan modification.
Why was the experience important to you? That is, what did you gain from the experience?
I was committed to helping my clients. We were turned down multiple times for a loan modification, but they were finally approved after six years of litigation and negotiation. I learned to never give up even if things look bleak.
What is the name of your firm? In what areas do you practice?
Lee G. Kellison, P.A. Business law & litigation.
What advice do you have for other attorneys considering pro bono involvement?
The work can be very rewarding. You can make a lasting, positive difference in someone else’s life.
Because of Kellison’s work, this family remained in their home. This outcome positively impacted his clients, and also, their neighborhood, the local businesses, and the local schools. Kellison’s work is representative of the pro bono work of hundreds of others. We extend sincere appreciation to all for their outstanding pro bono service. Attorneys interested in pro bono opportunities throughout the 4th Judicial Circuit are encouraged to contact Kathy Para, chair of the JBA Pro Bono Committee, at [email protected].