Kutak Rock LLP is teaming with Neighbors United for Action and Legal Aid of Western Missouri to revitalize abandoned homes in the Kansas City area through Legal Aid's Adopt-a-Neighborhood project.

Kutak Rock is one of six law firms paired with neighborhoods in the east side area to aid residents with pro bono legal services. The firm's focus is to help Neighbors United for Action revitalize abandoned homes and encourage economic development.

The firm and Legal Aid are using Missouri’s Abandoned Housing Act to take properties from absentee owners. The property must be vacant for six months, delinquent on taxes or a nuisance to the community before the firm can file a lawsuit to eventually claim ownership for the neighborhood.

After the neighborhood has claimed title with the help of a law firm, Legal Aid steps in and finds a local resident or company willing to rehabilitate the house.

Kutak Rock attorney Anna Berman sees value in reclaiming houses in the area. “I want to see a beautiful craftsman house that is maintained with a family living in it, because those are the people who are going to invest in this neighborhood,” she said.

To see a comprehensive news article on this project, please click here.