Pro bono attorneys on July 29 offered an Ask-A-Lawyer opportunity for the young people at the Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network (JASMYN), which supports young people ages 13-23 and works to create a safer, more affirming community for them in Northeast Florida.
The organization’s website –– jasmyn.org –– states while programs and services are designed for those who identify as LGBT or questioning, all youth are welcome at JASMYN.
The idea for an Ask-A-Lawyer event started with Diana Johnson and Matt Lufrano, who had a desire to provide some meaningful legal guidance for the youths.
Working with Emily Rokosch, director of operations at JASMYN, they designed a format they thought would best serve the organization’s clients.
They identified areas of law in which young people entering adulthood often have legal issues, such as landlord/tenant, consumer, criminal, family and public benefits.
Attorneys who volunteered to form a panel to answer questions and offer information in their respective areas of expertise were Stephen Pitel, Matt Lufrano, Diana Johnson, Ryan Moore, Katy DeBriere and Aaron Irving.
The event had two parts –– first a panel discussion and group question-and-answer session followed by an optional opportunity for one-on-one consultations.
During the panel discussion, attorneys answered a wide range of questions about injunctions, searches, evictions, security deposits, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income and name changes.
The goal was to educate the attendees about the resources available, how to handle some situations with law enforcement and ways to work with the legal system.
The young people were encouraged to ask for help from JASMYN counselors and to seek the assistance of an attorney when needed.
As with all Ask-A-Lawyer events, the attorneys provided an opportunity for the attendees to ask questions in an environment that was nonjudgmental, relaxed and respectful.
“We all really appreciate your willingness to come here to provide this service. The legal system is very complex and it’s extremely helpful to be able to get answers in an open and nonthreatening way,” said Tim Jefferson, JASMYN assistant director of programs.
Johnson and Lufrano accomplished their goal to provide meaningful legal information and guidance to young people as they chart their course into adulthood with the support of the interested, caring professionals at JASMYN and many from our legal community.
This edition of Ask-A-Lawyer was an event filled with encouragement and empowerment.
Attorneys interested in pro bono opportunities in the 4th Judicial Circuit may contact [email protected].