by Kathy Para
JBA Pro Bono Committee Chair
Events planned Oct. 25-31
The American Bar Association has designated the week of Oct. 25-31 as “Celebrate Pro Bono Week.” The legal needs of low-income families are local issues, and although the celebration is nationwide, the celebration is intended to have local focus and impact. Goals for the celebration include: recognizing the pro bono efforts of America’s lawyers, recruiting more pro bono volunteers and mobilizing community support for pro bono.
On Wednesday, Sept. 16, Mayor John Peyton proclaimed Oct. 25-31 as “Celebrate Pro Bono Week” in Jacksonville. The proclamation was presented at The Jacksonville Bar Association luncheon at the Hyatt. Attorneys are encouraged to save these dates and participate in local “Celebrate Pro Bono Week” events:
Thursday, Oct. 22 (7:30 p.m.): The Honorable Peter J. Fryefield Law Revue
An Evening of Entertainment by Jacksonville Lawyers and Judges (Silent Auction and Visual Arts Exhibit open at 6 p.m.), Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, Terry Theater. Tickets on sale through Ticketmaster are $25 with applicable service charges. $50 VIP Tickets through The JBA include reserved section seating and reception. Proceeds to benefit Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and the Jacksonville Bar Association Foundation.
Saturday, Oct. 24, (Time and Location TBD): Ask-A-Lawyer forum sponsored by The Jacksonville Bar Association
The JBA will be offering “Ask-A-Lawyer” opportunities in neighborhoods identified by City Council members. Residents may talk to pro bono attorneys about their legal issues. Attorneys will provide brief counsel and advice, community resource information, and/or referrals to JALA or the Lawyer Referral Service.
Tuesday, Oct. 27 (5:30-7 p.m.), Jacksonville Area Legal Aid Open House, Meet JALA-Meet the Judges, 126 W. Adams St.
Area attorneys are invited to tour the JALA offices, learn about the scope of civil legal services provided, and enjoy a reception and opportunity to meet and greet some of the members of the Fourth Circuit Judiciary. RSVP preferred: [email protected]
Thursday, Oct. 29, (11 a.m.-1 p.m.), Fall Forum of Pro Bono and Volunteer Opportunities, Florida Coastal School of Law.
The purpose of the Fall Forum is to encourage and educate students who will soon be practicing attorneys to be involved with pro bono representation of low- income clients. Legal Services organizations and other community resource providers will set up displays and distribute information on volunteer opportunities for students.
For more information: Kathy Para, Chairperson, JBA Pro Bono Committee, [email protected] or http://www.probono.net/celebrateprobono/