Securing Access to Justice

Dechert attorneys assist individuals in securing public benefits such as healthcare and food assistance, navigating complex systems worldwide. Dechert lawyers advocate for low-income clients, helping them through public benefit systems. In London, Dechert collaborates with the Legal Advice Centre University House to appeal Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independence Payment claim denials. In the US, the firm supports disabled, low-income individuals denied Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability benefits. Representation often leads to high reversal rates at tribunals.

Dechert's pro bono program includes representing tenants to prevent eviction and promote housing stability. In Philadelphia, Dechert works with community partners to represent tenants in eviction hearings. In New York, the firm collaborates with Legal Services NYC on housing repair cases. In Washington, D.C., lawyers represent people in subsidized housing facing eviction. Dechert also advocates for the homeless and has successfully pursued a housing discrimination lawsuit in Philadelphia against a landlord refusing to accept Housing Choice Vouchers in certain neighborhoods.

Dechert provides legal support to domestic violence victims, helping secure protective orders, navigate divorce, as well as address child custody and support matters. The firm represents victims seeking restraining orders, and collaborates with The Advocates for Human Rights to reform domestic violence laws globally. In a notable case, Dechert joined a defense team for a domestic violence victim accused of murder. The firm secured the defendant’s release, gathered evidence supporting self-defense, and ultimately had all charges dropped, highlighting the unfair incarceration of many domestic abuse survivors.

Dechert lawyers represent children and families in special education matters, often negotiating Individual Education Plans and challenging them in due process hearings. In a recent case, Dechert secured a $3 million settlement for hundreds of students in a class action against Glen Mills School, a defunct Pennsylvania reform school. The lawsuit charges the school with sustained abuse and educational deprivation, particularly impacting Black students. The settlement provides cash payments and compensatory education services.