Cullen Guilmartin first started doing pro bono work for CVLC through his prior firm, McCarter & English. While he originally worked on discharge upgrades, he transitioned to eviction work as he moved to Gordon & Rees. At Gordon Rees, Cullen has been able to recruit other associates and partners to work on cases with CVLC, increasing the number of veterans they can help every year. For example, Gordon & Rees recently collaborated with CVLC to assist Mr. Petty, a veteran facing eviction and financial hardship due to a miscommunication by his landlord. The firm was able to keep Mr. Petty in his home, in good standing, without facing a financial burden. “Any time you can help somebody, it’s always rewarding for everyone,” Cullen says.

Cullen was called to action during the pandemic, where he took on several eviction cases to keep veterans in their homes. He finds the “initial sigh of relief” rewarding when veterans find out they do not have to go to court immediately. The veterans that need assistance often have a million things on their minds, and the last thing they need to worry about is going to court and handling legal matters. Being able to talk to these veterans and take a little bit off their load means a lot to Cullen. Cases have tested him on a professional and personal level, but that makes them all the more gratifying when he can be there for those who have served our country.