Winston-LVMH Collaboration Lifts Up Clients and Volunteers Alike

Volunteers from client LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (LVMH) and Winston & Strawn joined forces to host a Fresh Start Clinic in the firm’s New York office assisting pro bono clients distressed by debt and dire financial situations initiate bankruptcy relief. The full-day program began with a training session led by the City Bar Justice Center (CBJC) where volunteers learned how to assist clients with the preparation of pro se bankruptcy filings. Then the 25+ members of the LVMH legal department worked in teams with Winston volunteer attorneys to guide clients through the daunting paperwork involved in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, providing both counsel and support in a process that can be overwhelming.

In all, the teams assisted 10 pro bono clients in the preparation of pro se bankruptcy filings during this Third Annual Winston/LVMH clinic partnership program held on February 13, 2020. All of these clients left with the documentation needed to make their court filing and now have a higher likelihood of securing an economic fresh start.

This year’s event featured a Valentine’s theme with sweet treats for all volunteers, clients, and other participants. It was a stellar example of how Winston partners with commercial clients to help those in need, strengthening longstanding relationships in the act of community service.

The Winston volunteer attorneys who participated in this positive and uplifting project are: Eva Cole, Matt Crorey, John Kalyvas, Blaise Latella, Sara Monzet, and Jordan Yellen. LVMH relationship Partner Rex Sessions supported this collaborative effort, which was coordinated by Pro Bono Counsel Tara Moss and Ramona Morel from CBJC.