Pro Bono Volunteer Spotlight: Jennifer Bennington
Pro Bono Project: Lawyer on the Line
By Dawn LaRue
It’s fair to say that Jennifer Bennington is passionate about pro bono! As a partner of the Wilson firm of Beaman & Bennington, PLLC, Jennifer focuses her practice on bankruptcy (representing debtors, creditors, and the trustee), non-bankruptcy work-outs, as well as representing Wilson County DSS in juvenile abuse, neglect, and dependency cases, as well as child support cases.
Despite the demands of a thriving practice, Jennifer consistently carves time out of her calendar for pro bono projects. It’s fair to say that when it comes making pro bono a top priority, Jennifer is a frequent flyer!
Jennifer uses her expertise in bankruptcy matters to assist those with limited means. She has donated countless hours to LANC’s Lawyer on the Line program, fielding questions from consumers considering bankruptcy. Jennifer genuinely relishes the opportunity to educate and reassure clients. She has found that bankruptcy is often not the best option for these clients. Many worry that someone is going to come along and take what few things they do have. One client in particular was worried about going to jail for not paying her bills. Educating people on what the law allows creditors to do in collecting debts goes a long way in easing people’s minds, as the unknown is often scarier than reality.
Jennifer finds it very fulfilling to volunteer with Lawyer on the Line. Talking through financial difficulties with clients who feel so desperate and helping ease their concern gives Jennifer a tangible sense that she is really helping people and making a difference. Jennifer finds professional satisfaction in sharing knowledge with people that literally has the power to change their lives. The minutes spent with these clients go a long way, multiplying the benefit to those who otherwise couldn’t access legal services.
Since Jennifer is a pro bono frequent flyer, this is not the first time she has been recognized by her peers in the NCBA Bankruptcy Law Section. In 2016, Jennifer received the North Carolina Bar Association Bankruptcy Law Section Pro Bono Award. It’s fair to say the Jennifer really is the best of the best!