By JBA Board of Governors member Christa Figgins
For those who know me, you know that I don’t really need a “reason” to celebrate, but if I did, pro bono service would be at the top of my list.
It is always reason to celebrate when the generous actions of colleagues mean that persons who would otherwise not be represented have attorney advocates standing with them in their legal matters. The American Bar Association each year designates one week as “Celebrate Pro Bono” Week. This year it’s the week of October 24 through 30. Our own Mayor Peyton has joined the national observance by officially proclaiming that week as “Celebrate Pro Bono” week in Northeast Florida.
Here in the Fourth Judicial Circuit there are celebrations and observances throughout the month and on into November. If you saw the listing of events in this publication on Monday, October 4, you know that there is something for everyone who serves or is interested in serving low-income or vulnerable people in need of legal representation.
There are recognition and “thank you” events by Guardian ad Litem and Jacksonville Area Legal Aid (JALA); CLE events by the Law Offices of the Public Defender, JALA, and the Northeast Florida Medical Legal Partnership; an invitation from the Fourth Circuit Pro Bono Committee to “Accept ONE Case”; an event to nurture and encourage pro bono in our next generation of attorneys at Florida Coastal School of Law; and an “Ask-A-Lawyer” community outreach event by The Jacksonville Bar Association.
There’s something for everyone! Let me highlight two, in particular.
The Fourth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee presented for the first time, the “Accept ONE Case” display board at The JBA luncheon Sept. 30. The display board supports the Florida Supreme Court’s “One Campaign” whose slogan is “One Client. One Attorney. One Promise.” Attorneys were encouraged to review and accept cases that were summarized on the display board. The cases came from Guardian ad Litem and JALA, and quite a crowd gathered after the luncheon to learn more about the pro bono opportunities presented. Many approached shyly, saying they’d always wanted to do pro bono, but were afraid they had no skills to offer in the areas of law needed.
Let me tell you: don’t be shy!
Kathy Para, Pro Bono Committee chair, has free CLE training available in many needed areas of representation to help you along, as well as mentors you can talk to during the course of your pro bono representation. Never doubt that you can be the person who changes someone’s life for the better! Look for the “Accept ONE Case” board at future luncheons!
In addition, The Jacksonville Bar Association, Pro Bono Committee, in collaboration with the City Council and Grace and Truth Community Development Corporation, will offer the next “Ask-A-Lawyer” event at Gateway Shopping Center Saturday, Nov. 6, from 9 a.m. -12 p.m.
Attorneys conduct 15-minute individual interviews with persons who need legal guidance. Attorneys advise in their areas of expertise and are not opening cases. Many times persons need direction, but not full representation. “Ask-A-Lawyer” gives people opportunities to ask questions of licensed attorneys, thus enabling them to make informed decisions about next steps in resolving their legal issues. “Ask-A-Lawyer” also gives attorneys the opportunity to experience a wonderful feeling: that of having helped someone who really needed it. It’s a win-win for everyone, so get involved!
The importance of pro bono legal service in maintaining the integrity of our judicial system must never be underestimated. Programs in our Fourth Judicial Circuit that rely on pro bono attorneys for delivery of legal services to their clients include Guardian ad Litem, The Law Offices of the Public Defender, JALA, Missing Links and the Northeast Florida Medical Legal Partnership. The Fourth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee and The JBA Pro Bono Committee provide information on all of the agencies.
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. Find an event or activity that works for you and join in the celebration!
Kathy Para contributed to this column.