This article was originally published by Washington Council of Lawyers as part of their 2024 DC Pro Bono Week Profiles series.

Tim Cordova, an associate in the Health Care Group at Alston & Bird, has built a reputation for his meticulous work in health care legislative and regulatory compliance matters. But beyond his daily practice, Tim has established a commitment to pro bono work, particularly in helping disabled individuals secure much-needed Social Security disability benefits and health care coverage. Tim has become an advocate for those who need it most, working tirelessly to assist clients through difficult appeals processes and ensuring they receive the support they deserve.

Tim’s dedication to pro bono work is rooted in his desire to make a difference for individuals who face significant challenges. Through pro bono case referrals from Legal Aid DC, he has taken on Social Security disability appeals for adults and helped clients facing reductions in healthcare coverage under the Elderly and Persons with Physical Disabilities (EPD) Waiver Program. Tim understands the harsh realities of the disability appeals system and how, without proper advocacy, many individuals are left struggling.

His drive to take on Social Security disability benefits cases stems from a formative experience early in his career. During his clerkship in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Tim was exposed to Social Security disability appeals that had reached their highest level. Many of these cases involved pro se litigants living with disabling conditions who were unable to work. “I often found myself wishing these clients had someone to present their case better, so they could get the benefits they clearly deserved,” Tim recalls.

This experience left a lasting impression on him. He saw firsthand how the system often failed disabled individuals, not because their conditions were not severe enough, but because they lacked effective advocacy. Motivated by this, Tim has focused his pro bono work on helping clients navigate the complex legal processes involved in Social Security disability appeals.

Tim is clear that his clerkship alone is not the only source for inspiration to take on these matters. Tim’s pro bono work has been nurtured and supported by his mentor, Michael Park, a partner in the Health Care Group at Alston & Bird. Tim speaks highly of Mike, describing him as a partner who actively encourages the entire Health Care Group to take on pro bono matters. “Mike has always supported us in our pro bono engagement. He believes that, as lawyers, we have a duty to use our skills to help those who need it most, and that’s really resonated with me,” Tim says.

By providing associates like Tim with the resources and support they need to take on pro bono cases, Mike ensures that the Health Care Group is making a real impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals who might otherwise be left without legal recourse.

Indeed, Tim’s work has already made a significant difference. He has handled Social Security disability benefits appeals for adults at three different stages of the process. Additionally, Tim has taken on three clients who were at risk of losing their healthcare coverage under the EPD Waiver Program, ensuring that they could continue to receive the care they need.

His advocacy in these cases has had a life-changing impact on his clients. Many of them are people who would have struggled to navigate the complicated legal and bureaucratic systems on their own. Tim’s advocacy has provided them with a chance to have their cases properly heard and considered, giving them a new sense of hope in the process.

And yet despite his advocacy on behalf of his five clients over the last two years, Tim remains humble about his pro bono work with Legal Aid DC. For him, the greatest reward comes from knowing that he is making a difference in the lives of disabled individuals and ensuring they receive the benefits they’re entitled to. “At the end of the day, it’s about helping people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to legal representation,” Tim says. “I feel fortunate to be in a position where I can use my skills to advocate for others.”