Portland, Oregon – Tonkon Torp LLP, a leading Northwest law firm, recently achieved a series of victories on behalf of its pro bono client, the family of an Oregon National Guardsmen serving in Iraq.
Specialist Anthony Acuna has spent 21 of the past 26 months overseas serving as a field medic in the Middle East. Surviving on military pay as a family of five, the Acunas struggled to manage bills and eventually faced lawsuits from several creditors. The Acunas sought help from the Oregon State Bar Association’s Military Assistance Panel, which connected them with Tonkon Torp attorney Paul Conable.
“These lawsuits against the Acunas are disrespectful and unfair,” said Conable. “Soldiers shouldn’t be under attack when the come back home. The Acunas made huge sacrifices. They recognize their responsibility to pay their bills. All they asked for was time to do so.”
Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, soldiers and their families can fight back against overzealous creditors. The Act also gives servicemembers and their families special protection from evictions, foreclosures, and default judgments.
In a case that has gained widespread media attention, Conable has been able to help the Acunas successfully negotiate with creditors and fight off lawsuits against the family.
Tonkon Torp lawyers support the Oregon State Bar’s Military Assistance Panel as part of their ongoing commitment to providing pro bono services to the community.
