We’re all being charged with “doing more with less.”
These are, indeed, difficult financial times and our community has been hit hard, like many communities across the country.
As requests for legal services by low-income persons have never been greater, the need for pro bono attorneys is more critical than ever.
I am happy to report that pro bono service is alive and growing in the Fourth Circuit — thanks to its compassionate, committed and resourceful attorneys.
The American Bar Association designates one week each year to “Celebrate Pro Bono.” This year that week is Oct. 23-29, but here in the Fourth Circuit we enjoy observances all month.
You’ll find a variety of activities from awareness events, to recognition events, to training events, to pro bono outreach events.
Awareness events include “The Human Race-Run for One” to be held Saturday; the mayor’s proclamation of “Pro Bono Week” presented at The JBA board of governors meeting; and the “Pro Bono Fall Forum” at Florida Coastal School of Law.
Recognition and appreciation events include Guardian ad Litem’s “Volunteer Appreciation Dinner” held Oct. 1 and Jacksonville Area Legal Aid’s annual open house, “JALAween,” planned for Oct. 25.
Training events for pro bono attorneys include free support webinars focusing on changes in the power of attorney law, credit card collection defense, litigating garnishment exemptions, sealing and expunging criminal arrests records and driver’s license reinstatement.
Pro bono outreach events include the legal assistance forum for nonprofit corporations sponsored by The Florida Bar Business Law Section; the Wills and Advance Directives project for senior citizens; “Ask-A-Lawyer” and for Florida Coastal students, Giving Back Day.
Pro Bono case review and acceptance will soon be available online, making consideration of pro bono representation even more efficient.
If you have seen the full listing of the “Celebrate Pro Bono” observances (see Page A-7) you will see many organizations collaborating and generously offering resources for the efforts I’ve mentioned and more.
What I wish is that in this article I could give each of these events a face. Since I’m limited by black and white print I’ll ask you to use your imagination.
Use your imagination and picture the pro bono guardian ad litem attorney testifying in a dependency matter on behalf of a child and protecting that child’s interests in the complexities of the legal world. Visualize the head of household who is trying to maintain stability for her family and whose wages will no longer be improperly garnished.
Imagine the relief of the senior citizen who now has a trusted person with whom doctors can legally consult when medical decisions must be made. Picture the immigrant who is afraid to consult an attorney or any person associated with authority telling her story in a safe, neutral location to a licensed, immigration attorney at an “Ask-A-Lawyer” event.
Feel the excitement of the person starting a new nonprofit for the purpose of helping low-income seniors get hearing aids when he can get answers from a licensed business attorney about 501(c)(3) status.
These are the kinds of results that are coming from our pro bono efforts. These are the kinds of efforts that are making our community a better place for us all.
From where I sit, it’s clear to me that pro bono legal service is part of the very fabric of our legal community here in the Fourth Judicial Circuit.
Pro bono attorneys are resourceful, committed and compassionate and opportunities for involvement are increasing.
I hope you’ll find a way to get involved in pro bono service. Pro bono is manageable and it matters.
It matters to each client we, as attorneys, assist — one client, one attorney, one promise.
During our October observances, all are invited to participate in the many events. It’s time to Celebrate Pro Bono throughout the Fourth Judicial Circuit!