Attorneys interested in assisting a pro bono client can now review cases and other pro bono opportunities online at www.jaxlegalaid.org.
It isn’t news that pro bono attorneys are needed to serve low-income, vulnerable, and underserved individuals in our community.
Attorneys are needed in all areas of civil representation: consumer issues (including bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, collections and garnishments), family law, guardianship and probate. Don’t forget seal/expunge cases and driver’s license reinstatement.
Nonprofit agencies serving the poor also need assistance in areas of incorporation, real estate, employment and contracts.
Guardian ad Litem needs attorneys to represent children; attorneys may volunteer to take appointments from the bench by volunteering to be listed on the Judicial Civil Appointment Pro Bono Attorney list and/or the Attorney Ad Litem Dependency Court Pro Bono Attorney list.
Taking a case, assisting one client with one matter, is the pro bono commitment that is sorely needed.
That’s the spirit and powerful message of the One Campaign — One Client. One Attorney. One Promise.
Attorneys willing to consider accepting one matter are encouraged to visit the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid (JALA) website at www.jaxlegalaid.org and on the left side of the screen click on “Cases Awaiting Placement with Pro Bono Attorneys.”
Here attorneys may review short, redacted case summaries of clients from JALA, the Northeast Florida Medical Legal Partnership (NFMLP) and Three Rivers Legal Services (TRLS).
Interested attorneys simply click on the link “I’d like to review this case further” and the attorney, in seconds, can request more case information via email prior to acceptance.
When attorneys volunteer their time, JALA, NFMLP, TRLS and Guardian ad Litem support them.
This includes CLE training webinars, expert resources, client conference and meeting space, professional liability coverage, cost reimbursement and Westlaw access.
New pro bono attorneys are provided resources and support as they proceed through their cases.
Participating in pro bono projects offers additional opportunities. Attorneys can volunteer their time conducting monthly group informational clinics, participating in Ask-a-Lawyer events, serving as an expert resource for another pro bono attorney, assisting with one-day Advance Directives projects, assisting with Citizenship Day, teaching a CLE webinar for other pro bono attorneys, assisting with client intake in outreach locations and other valuable efforts.
Hundreds of committed attorneys currently assist pro bono clients throughout the Fourth Judicial Circuit. Hundreds more are needed.
Interested attorneys are encouraged to contact Kathy Para, chairwoman of The JBA Pro Bono Committee, for more information on ways to be involved at [email protected].