Press Releases

CHICAGO – Associate Aaron A. Mitchell and summer associate Brian Jones of Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione have successfully defended Victor Saidu, a political refugee from Sierra Leone, in an eviction matter as part of the firm's ongoing pro bono efforts.

Mr. Saidu had fought in his country’s civil war and was captured by rebel forces; his captors cut off both his hands above the wrists. Despite this brutal act, Mr. Saidu was not only able to relocate to the U.S., but also found a job here. He was granted U.S. citizenship in 2006.

Mr. Saidu had moved his family into an apartment with numerous problems, including broken locks, improper plumbing and an inoperative kitchen stove. After Mr. Saidu informed the landlord and then city inspectors about the poor conditions of the apartment, the landlord filed an eviction suit.

Brinks' Mitchell and Jones worked with the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago on Mr. Saidu's case. The team successfully negotiated a settlement with the landlord, and Mr. Saidu and his family were given sufficient time to relocate.

“Mr. Saidu is in every respect a winner, but he could not afford to fight for his rights as a tenant,” said Aaron Mitchell. “By providing him and his family with the legal services they needed, we were able to prevent his eviction and lift a burden from his shoulders.”

Brinks believes in professional responsibility and maintains a firm-wide commitment to pro bono work. The firm was the first intellectual property law firm in Chicago to establish a formal pro bono program and was honored earlier this year by the Public Interest Law Initiative, as well as the Federal Circuit Bar Association, for its efforts.

The Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago has been dedicated to providing low-income, elderly, or disabled individuals with legal assistance for over 40 years. Through advocacy, education, collaboration and litigation, the organization helps those who cannot afford legal counsel to protect their constitutional and statutory rights.

Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione is one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the United States and serves the intellectual property needs of clients around the world. Brinks has 150 attorneys, scientific advisors and patent agents who specialize in intellectual property litigation and all aspects of patent, trademark and copyright law. The firm also advises on issues relating to intellectual asset management, trade secret, unfair competition, and technology and licensing agreements. Brinks routinely handles assignments for companies in the electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineering sectors; the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and nanotechnology industries; and for companies whose work relates to Internet and computer technology law. The firm’s trademark practice works on behalf of clients who deal in a wide variety of products and services. Founded in 1917, Brinks is based in Chicago and has five additional offices across the country, including its new office in Washington D.C. More information is available at www.usebrinks.com.