Truist's Pro Bono Legal Team: Restoring Driver's Licenses and Empowering Communities

A significant portion of people's daily routines revolves around their cars, from commuting to work in the mornings to running errands and picking up kids in the afternoons. Often taken for granted, the driver's license is a little piece of plastic that enables these activities. However, for those who have lost their driver's licenses, its value becomes profoundly apparent. 

The consequences of losing a driver's license can be life-altering. Simple tasks like grocery shopping become challenging, and it can even hinder someone from finding employment or accessing essential services. Debbie Clayman, the senior vice president and associate general counsel at Truist, emphasizes that this loss impacts a person's ability to participate fully in their community. 

Recognizing the significance of a driver's license in enabling self-sufficiency and family support, Truist, along with its teammates in Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina, offers volunteer legal services ("pro bono") to those who cannot afford attorneys. By helping individuals regain their driving privileges, Truist's pro bono legal team not only improves lives but also strengthens the community as a whole. 

"They frequently describe it as life-changing," is a common sentiment expressed by those who have benefitted from the efforts of Truist's legal teammates. These dedicated individuals collaborate with law firms and nonprofits to organize license restoration clinics. One example is their partnership with Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, which has helped almost 300 people create plans to regain their driver's licenses. 

The demand for their services is substantial, particularly in North Carolina, where over 1.2 million individuals have lost their licenses due to unpaid fines, fees, or failure to appear in court. This can occur even for minor offenses like speeding or having a broken taillight. For those on limited incomes, navigating the complex legal process is both intimidating and financially burdensome, leaving them feeling stuck in a challenging situation. 

Truist's pro bono volunteers step in to address this critical gap, providing support that other legal aid services may not cover. Their involvement has been instrumental in ensuring access to justice for many individuals who otherwise might not have had the opportunity. 

Beyond license restoration, Truist's attorneys also volunteer with Drive-To-Work, an organization dedicated to helping previously incarcerated individuals restore their driving privileges. By leading virtual clinics for soon-to-be-released inmates, the Truist teammates assist in their successful reintegration into society. 

Ellen Fitzsimmons, Truist's chief legal officer and head of public affairs, recognized the importance of formalizing and expanding the pro bono efforts within the company following a merger. This led to the development of a companywide pro bono program, which includes various initiatives, such as criminal record expunction and eviction diversion counseling. 

The legal team at Truist is deeply committed to volunteerism and aims to have every attorney participate in at least one pro bono or volunteer event annually. They seek opportunities that can have a significant positive impact, whether it's helping a first responder create a will for their family's financial security or restoring the driving privileges of a working single parent. 

By combining resources and working together, Truist's legal team believes they can make a substantial difference in their community. The culture of volunteerism at Truist remains strong as they continue to identify and address the community's needs through their pro bono program and services. 

Read more  stories of other Truist teammates who are living Truist’s purpose, to inspire and build better lives and communities.