Our History
The genesis of Rubicon Legal Services began in 1986. Over the years we have represented over 2,000 individuals in hearings or appeals. We conservatively estimate that our clients have cumulatively recovered over $30 million in past-due Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) and SSI disability benefits after receiving favorable hearing decision. Over their lifetimes, our past clients have or will collect ongoing monthly disability benefits in a total amount that will top $200 million. This most basic source of income – as well as the Medicare or MediCal that comes with it - for people who are otherwise unable to work due to severe mental or physical disabilities makes a life changing difference.
In 2003, after more than 10 years of collaboration, the Hawkins Center merged with Rubicon Programs. Our new name, Rubicon Legal Services, which we rolled out in late 2010, reflects our strategy to deepen the impact we have for our clients through greater coordination of legal services with Rubicon’s Mental Health and Wellness, and Economic Empowerment divisions.
The Hawkins Center was named after Versie Hawkins, who suffered a severe back injury in 1982. Prior to this, she had worked steadily since the age of eighteen supporting her family of six children in Richmond, California. After multiple setbacks, Versie sought the assistance of a young attorney and social worker in Richmond, Linda Mills, who represented her before the Social Security Administration and was able to guide her case to a successful conclusion. Versie’s struggle and the dignity and heart with which she fought through it, so inspired Linda that she founded The Hawkins Center ensuring that the much needed and critical legal services that were available to Versie have remained available to thousands more in intervening years.
The Hawkins Center was named after Versie Hawkins (above), a woman who sought representation to obtain her Social Security disability benefits after suffering a severe back injury in 1982.
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