When a local citizen could not get a judgment enforced following a breached settlement agreement, she decided to reach out to Jacksonville Area Legal Aid.
Attorney Shea Moser offered the woman legal representation through JALA’s pro bono program and reopened the case that began in 2003 in small claims court. The defendant in the small claims action was indebted to Moser’s client nearly $3,000.
Moser was not part of the original case, but he was able to reopen the case, file a Motion to Enforce Judgment, and garnish the wages of the defendant, who had previously stopped making payments only three weeks after the judgment was rendered.
The financial hardship that necessitated pro bono support has been eased by the reinstated, regular payments by the defendant.
The positive outcome has helped to stabilize a family living on very limited resources. The client had been struggling financially for several months before contacting JALA.
Because of the client’s great need for the enforcement of this settlement, Moser’s work was particularly appreciated.
Small successes can be the most important accomplishments sometimes. The rewards in this case were felt by all those involved.
Moser said that it was “very satisfying to be able to accomplish a positive outcome for (the client),” and added that “the staff at JALA made it very convenient to take on a case and hit the ground running.”
JALA offers a variety of tools to support pro bono attorneys in each case, including professional liability coverage, expert resources and CLE webinars.
Practicing with the firm of Moseley, Prichard, Parrish, Knight & Jones, Moser’s areas of expertise include corporate law, estate planning, probate, commercial litigation, as well as trucking litigation.
For attorneys considering becoming involved in pro bono work, Moser advises taking “just one case to determine how fulfilling it can be to provide legal help to someone who would ordinarily not be able to pay for a lawyer’s services.”
While it may be particularly rewarding to see a client receive a well-deserved judgment, it is generally unanimous that pro bono work is a reward in itself and an excellent opportunity to grow as a community.
Pro bono representation can level the playing field for financially unstable clients. The outcome sometimes eases financial hardship and, in a very real way, stabilizes both the family and the community. Pro bono attorneys make a lasting difference and positive impact one client at a time.
Cases in need of placement with pro bono attorneys can be previewed online at www.jaxlegalaid.org, “Cases Awaiting Placement with Pro Bono Attorneys.”
Attorneys interested in pro bono opportunities throughout the Fourth Judicial Circuit are encouraged to contact Kathy Para, chairwoman of The JBA Pro Bono Committee, at [email protected].