Funding from a variety of public and private sources has allowed NH Legal Assistance and the Legal Advice & Referral Center to hire an additional lawyer and two paralegals to respond to the surge in need we are already seeing as a result of the pandemic crisis.
Marta Hurgin
Attorney Marta Hurgin, a former Arkansas legal aid attorney and New Hampshire public defender, joined LARC in June. Her position was made possible by a supplemental grant funded through the CARES act to the Legal Services Corporation, LARC’s largest funding source. She is handling unemployment cases and connecting individuals in need of civil legal aid with Pro Bono volunteers and LARC’s many free resources.
“Working on unemployment cases during this unprecedented time has shown me what a lifeline unemployment can be for so many people,” said Marta. “Unemployment benefits can allow people to pay their rent, buy groceries, and live with dignity while they search for work or stay safe at home to care for themselves or a family member. I look forward to assisting more New Hampshire citizens get the help they need.”
Lauren Orsini
Lauren Orsini, one of two new paralegals, comes to NHLA most recently from Starting Point, a domestic and sexual violence crisis center in Conway.
Lauren has also been a police officer and police prosecutor and is doing an online post-baccalaureate paralegal program through Duke University.
Lauren will work in our Berlin office, primarily with clients in need of housing, local welfare, and disability advocacy.
“NHLA is a great fit for me,” Lauren said, “because my experience and passion are with nonprofit work, the law, and helping others in need. I am thrilled to join NHLA in their important work.”
Abdoul Fofana
Abdoul Fofana will join the NHLA Concord office. Abdoul, a 2019 graduate of Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, comes to NHLA most recently from Easterseals NH. He also previously worked with clients at the Massachusetts Trial Court service center.
“I was interested in working for NHLA because I have always had a passion to advocate for people in need and be a voice for empowerment,” Abdoul said.
