Clearing the Way: Meet Patrick Sellenger, 2026 Beacon Law Volunteer of the Year
Patrick Sellenger, The Beacon’s 2026 Beacon Law Volunteer of the Year was first introduced to the program and the opportunity to provide pro bono legal services during a Continuing Legal Education (or CLE) at his former law firm.
Beacon Law is The Beacon’s civil legal aid program which primarily focuses on three areas under-represented by many other legal aid nonprofits: ID restoration, criminal record clearing and sealing, and disability benefits appeals advocacy. As resources are available, our staff attorneys will also present CLEs to attorneys to support their ongoing learning and ensure their licenses remain active.
Patrick practices M&A/transactional law and has volunteered with Beacon Law since 2018. He likes that the volunteer time periods are very discrete and can be scheduled around busy periods, providing the flexibility to ensure he can stay on top of his day job while giving the pro bono cases the attention they deserve.
“The Beacon Law team provides support to its volunteers so I really feel like I’m not left on my own,” Patrick shared. “The cases are also very user friendly and it’s really helpful to know that I have a Beacon Law team member ready to respond to my questions and help keep me on track.”
Since 2018, Patrick has taken on a couple of expunction, or criminal record clearing, cases each year for a total of about 14 cases.
Before he began volunteering with Beacon Law, he didn’t realize how much of a barrier criminal history could be to moving forward in life. Charges and arrests that are ultimately dismissed or, in some cases, when defendants are found not guilty, can still show up on background checks unless they are expunged. This means that even when cases are dismissed or end in an acquittal, employers, landlords, and even colleges and universities, can see the initial charge or arrest and deny someone employment, housing and education. “Someone I knew personally had this occur,” said Patrick. He noted that even with resources, the expunction was hard to secure. “I can only imagine how hard it is for some of Beacon Law’s clients.”
When asked about his favorite part of volunteering, Patrick said he is all about helping the clients. “I feel like every client is trying to do something positive with their life.”
We are thankful to Patrick for his volunteer service with Beacon Law and are thrilled to recognize him as our 2026 Beacon Law Volunteer of the Year!
For more information on volunteering with Beacon Law (or any of our programs), visit the volunteer page on our website or contact volunteer@beaconhomeless.org.
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