Kentucky Associate Helps Tenant Avoid Eviction in Pro Bono Case

Dinsmore & Shohl LLP is pleased to share that Louisville attorney Emily Vessels successfully secured a dismissal in a pro bono eviction case in collaboration with Louisville's Legal Aid Society. The matter involved a tenant who faced imminent eviction after falling behind on rent due to unexpected financial hardship.

The Legal Aid Society provides legal services to Louisville's low-income community. Their mission is to pursue justice for people in poverty by addressing legal issues that impact income, housing, family stability, personal safety and health. Each year, they assist thousands of area residents who would otherwise have limited or no access to legal representation.

After taking the case, Emily identified a key legal issue: the landlord had accepted a rental payment just two days prior to filing the Forcible Detainer Complaint. Under Kentucky law, this payment waived the landlord's right to terminate the lease, forming the basis of the defense.

Emily represented the client pro bono in multiple hearings before the court granted an order dismissing the eviction action. As a result, the client avoided a judgment, remained in her home and negotiated a new lease agreement with reduced fees.

"I had a great experience working with Legal Aid and I was able to learn through the process," Emily said. "Rebekah Cotton, a senior attorney in the Volunteer Lawyer Program, was wonderful to work with and provided her expertise and guidance along the way."