Upcoming class to assist in local foreclosure problem
03/23/2009 by David Chapman Staff Writer An upcoming class being offered by the Jacksonville Bar Association, Florida Coastal School of Law and Jacksonville Area Legal Aid is aiming to help local attorneys meet the needs of one of the groups hit hardest by the down economy: foreclosure defendants who have turned to JALA for assistance in saving their homes. It’s the second such class (the last one was held in December) and according to JBA President-elect Dan Bean, it will educate lawyers for pro bono assistance in a sorely needed area. “It’s a tutorial on foreclosures with an obvious goal of providing information to Jacksonville lawyers and Florida Coastal students so they can assist JALA’s efforts in defending foreclosures,” said Bean. According to Bean, an average of 219 foreclosure cases are filed each week in Duval County – and the number isn’t going down anytime soon. Though area attorneys can’t solve the foreclosure problem, he said, the least they can do is help as many people as they can. “Even if they aren’t involved in that area of law, these classes will help them gain a working knowledge of the situation so they can help,” said Bean. “Lawyers are volunteering in a number of ways but the system is flooded (with foreclosures).” JALA Executive Director Michael Figgins sees firsthand the importance of foreclosure defense and is looking forward to additional support from members of the legal community. The class, he said, should be a revelation. “Attendees can expect to have their eyes opened as they learn how all this (foreclosure crisis) came about and why it’s not going away,” said Figgins. “They’ll leave with an understanding of the problems and what they can do as lawyers to make a difference.” Figgins also said JALA needs more attorneys to take cases and even having class attendees learn about the problems and solutions creates a better environment for the organization to attract support and resources. The last such class in December was attended by 90 area attorneys, said Bean, with 40 attorneys already registered for the upcoming class – encouraging numbers for the moment, but ones he hopes to see increase. The class will be held March 27 at Florida Coastal School of Law – a new venue and partner with the JBA and JALA on the issue – from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost is $55 including materials and lunch. In addition, attorneys will receive seven Continuing Legal Education credits – six in real estate, one in ethics. The time and effort will go toward helping people save their homes, said Figgins, and help JALA with its efforts toward the growing number of cases. “Right now, JALA has a model that works to stop foreclosures,” said Figgins. “What we need is a community response to help JALA get the resources it needs so that we can help more and turn away less.” For more information or for registration on the upcoming class, go to www.jaxbar.org or call 399-4854. dchapman@baileypub.com 356-2466
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