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ExpertConnect Hub Case Studies

Case Study: Charles River Associates’ Pro Bono Expert Support for Sanctuary for Families

Background: Sanctuary for Families (Sanctuary) is New York City’s leading provider of services to survivors of domestic violence, gender violence, and sex trafficking. Charles River Associates (CRA) has partnered with Sanctuary to provide investigative and forensic accounting support for their clients. CRA has leveraged their expertise in various cases, including imprisoned women who fall under the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA), international child abduction matters, and sex trafficking. Collaborating with Sanctuary’s legal team as well as pro bono lawyers from numerous law firms, CRA’s efforts have enhanced Sanctuary’s ability to serve survivors effectively.

Outcome: Charles River Associates’ contributions have led to significant results for Sanctuary’s clients. Their investigative efforts include helping locate a kidnapped child in an African country; examining financial records in custody disputes; locating witnesses who can testify in DVSJA cases; and uncovering undisclosed assets. Nicole Fidler, Senior Project Director at Sanctuary for Families, emphasized their importance: “Our partners at CRA always find useful information for our clients. They think outside the box and are incredibly quick to respond.”

Pro Bono Expert Services Provided: 

  • Forensic Accounting: CRA analyzed financial records including tax returns, bank account records, and crypto wallets to identify discrepancies and support claims – crucial in complex legal matters.
  • Investigative Support: CRA conducted background research and inquiries with human sources to gather public records and intelligence, enhancing case strength.
  • Collaboration with Legal Teams: Working alongside pro bono attorneys at various law firms, CRA delivered comprehensive support tailored to client needs.

Case Study: Relativity’s Pro Bono Support for Environmental Defenders Office in Climate Litigation

Background: In partnership with Relativity’s Justice for Change program, the Environmental Defenders Office and the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility challenged misleading environmental claims made by a major oil and gas company in a landmark case. This initiative highlighted the intersection of climate law with human rights and cultural protections, emphasizing the need for corporate accountability in environmental practices. 

Outcome: The collaboration resulted in significant advancements in the litigation process. By providing free access to Relativity’s cloud-based e-discovery product, RelativityOne, the Environmental Defenders Office was able to efficiently analyze thousands of complex documents. Zoe Bush, a senior climate lawyer, remarked: “Relativity’s support was a game-changer; it allowed us to navigate intricate information swiftly and focus on uncovering the truth behind corporate claims.”   

Pro Bono Expert Services Provided:  

  • E-Discovery Technology: Relativity’s tools streamlined the document review process, dramatically reducing the time and resources required for thorough analysis. 
  • Expert Legal Collaboration: Relativity facilitated connections with law firms, bringing in specialized knowledge to strengthen the foundation of the case. 
  • Project Management Support: Through the Justice for Change program, Relativity offered crucial administrative assistance, enhancing workflows and communication within the legal teams. 

Case Study: StoneTurn’s Pro Bono Support for Victims of Domestic Violence

Background: A woman seeking separation from her abusive husband and justice for herself and her child turned to the Cooperative Restraining Order Clinic (CROC), a San Francisco-based legal services agency dedicated to protecting the rights and safety of survivors and their children through effective legal assistance. CROC collaborated with the Justice & Diversity Center at the Bar Association of San Francisco, which connected the case with StoneTurn for pro bono assistance. The client’s husband, who came from a wealthy family, claimed he had been financially cut off and provided misleading information about his income and assets to evade alimony and child support obligations. Critical financial documents, including his W-2, were shredded, and he claimed to have no meaningful income.
 
Outcome: StoneTurn’s analysis revealed discrepancies in the husband’s financial disclosures, demonstrating a pattern of concealed assets, undisclosed sources of income, and misrepresentation. By identifying additional sources of wealth and showing that his expenses exceeded his reported income, a baseline for the husband’s imputed income was established. The legal team was able to build a compelling case supported by StoneTurn’s findings. This evidence played a critical role in securing a favorable outcome for the client. StoneTurn’s pro bono efforts not only empowered the client in a time of need but also underscored StoneTurn’s commitment to using the company’s expertise to advance justice.
 
Pro Bono Expert Services Provided: StoneTurn leveraged its expertise in forensic accounting and financial analysis to find discrepancies in the husband’s assertions about his wealth based on historical financial data. Their services included:
  • Forensic Accounting: StoneTurn analyzed emails, handwritten notes, corporate records, and financial records, including tax returns, bank statements, investment account statements, stock certificates, and credit card statements to uncover inconsistencies and hidden sources of income.
  • Asset Tracing: StoneTurn identified concealed assets and transactions that contradicted the husband’s claims of financial distress.
  • Deposition Preparation: StoneTurn collaborated with legal counsel to assist with deposition preparation, arming the client’s attorney with insights and questions to challenge the husband’s narrative effectively.

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