This is a story about a pro bono case in small claims court. But it's a lot more than that. It's a story of a damaged human trying to survive. It's a story of a justice system that too often hits hardest against the most unfortunate people in our society. But it's also a story of how persistence and attention to detail can make a legal case turn on a dime—and make a real difference in someone's life.

This story takes place several years ago, when I was just a young attorney fresh out of law school who decided to try some pro bono work, figuring that I could pick up some trial experience and expand my legal knowledge while doing some good in my city.

I went to the legal assistance organization Philadelphia VIP and was matched with a debt collection case that they said would be a good fit for what I was seeking. Representing a defendant in a small-claims collection suit is a pretty long way from my typical fare; I'm usually found working on behalf of plaintiffs in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases.