News Article

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.—Recovering drug addicts often need medical care and professional counseling to beat their addictions. But they also may need legal guidance to fully put their problems in the past and return to a productive, happy life.

 

So Womble Carlyle attorneys and staff members are working with two Winston-Salem-based agencies—Prodigals and the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission—to provide legal counsel to recovering addicts.

 

The Womble Carlyle pro bono team includes attorneys Sonny Haynes, Kurt Stakeman, Jake Wharton, Tiffani Otey, Jonathan Reich, Travis Wherry, Jennifer Lyday, John Still, Eugene Brown and David Boaz, legal secretary Debra Barry and paralegal Torie Sharpe.

 

For example, recovering addicts may have previous arrest records that need to be resolved or expunged. Or they may need assistance in regaining a driver’s license. Such past legal issues can be a barrier to future employment, Haynes said.

 

“What we want to do is help the residents of these treatment centers as they work to help themselves,” Haynes said.

 

Prodigals is a Winston-Salem-based program that provides job training and personal responsibility mentoring to ex-offenders with addiction issues. 

 

Established in 1967, the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission provides life skills and counseling, as well as food and shelter, to the area’s homeless. These services include a drug rehabilitation program.

 

In a letter to the firm, Prodigals Chaplain/Director of Advancement Chip Bristol writes, “I simply wanted to write and say what a wonderful gift it is, and we are grateful beyond words. Thank you for the work, and thank you for being that kind of law firm.”