A recent Black Lives Matter protest, in Ledyard, Connecticut. A recent Black Lives Matter protest in Ledyard, Connecticut. Photo: Nancy Catherine Walker/Shutterstock.com

Shelton attorney Jay Ruane has been representing protesters and activists in Connecticut for two decades. When peaceful demonstrators were arrested for minor offenses as they spoke out against police brutality in the wake of the May 25 police killing of George Floyd, the attorney was eager to offer a helping hand.

Ruane and other Connecticut lawyers have been representing front-line demonstrators marching in the Nutmeg State almost daily since Floyd was killed three weeks ago. They say pro bono representation is an ethical duty.

"I feel a moral obligation to use my skills to protect those who wish to speak out," said Ruane, a principal at Ruane Attorneys at Law LLC. "My whole office is committed to this, all 12 attorneys. Every lawyer here said they'd risk going to court during the current pandemic to represent protesters."

Ruane, who is representing six protesters that include young adults charged with breach of peace, said Monday it's patriotic for attorneys to use their skill set to help others who are peacefully assembling and protesting.

"This is our core," Ruane said. "We've been representing protesters for years and have been fighting for civil rights for years. We are not riding the wave of everything that is popular. This is who we are as lawyers. This is not a public relations stunt for us."

Ruane and fellow attorneys Chris Mattei, a partner at Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder in Bridgeport, and Morgan Rueckert, a partner with Shipman & Goodwin's Hartford office, have all made it known via social media that they are willing to represent protesters who have been arrested in Connecticut free of charge.

Mattei, who represents two women who were arrested and charged with negligent use of a highway and interfering with police following a May 30 protest on Route 8 in Bridgeport, said he stands with those he is representing.

"The way I look at it, these are mostly young people out there fighting for equality, racial justice and against systematic racism," said Mattei. "If people are willing to do that to make our country better, then the least I could do, as a lawyer, is represent them because they are representing all of us by doing what they are doing."

Noting that there have been demonstrations in Connecticut, nationally and worldwide for police reform, Mattei says he believes true change can occur. "There will be a need for concrete political steps taken as a result of the pressure that these protesters have put on those in power. I think they are making a difference."

Both Mattei and Rueckert, who work for larger firms, said they've received nothing but support from management at their respective firms.

"The firm is behind me 150%," Mattei said. "Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder has a long history of assisting those on the front lines of the fight for justice. The firm considers it an important part of its mission."

Rueckert, who has offered his services for protesters pro bono on social media but as of Monday is not representing any individuals who have been arrested, said, "The firm is totally behind me. They even issued a statement condemning racism."

Protests were held this past weekend in New Haven, Hamden and Southbury, among other locations.

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