This spring, pro bono attorneys representing low-income clients have received letters of appreciation from the Supreme Court of Florida. Along with the letter of thanks, each pro bono attorney also received a lapel pin with the “One” campaign logo and slogan “One Client. One Attorney. One Promise.” Attorneys who reported at least 20 hours of pro bono legal service to the poor in 2012 received the letter and pin.
This effort is sponsored by the Young Lawyers Division of The Florida Bar and is implemented in collaboration with The Florida Pro Bono Coordinators Association and legal aid organizations in each judicial circuit.
In the letter, Chief Justice Ricky Polston states, “The practice of law is a privilege that carries with it certain responsibilities and obligations to our society and to our democracy. We thank you for giving freely and unselfishly of your time and legal talent to represent the poor, the powerless, the defenseless, and the oppressed among us. Your work helps to fulfill the promise of equal justice for all.”
The chief justice encouraged pro bono attorneys to invite colleagues and associates to become involved in pro bono service to those less fortunate.
Pro bono representation is a critical factor in maintaining the integrity of our system of justice. Fairness and zealous representation must be available to all, not just those who can pay.
Every day, pro bono attorneys are accepting the cases of individuals in a broad range of law including guardianship, probate, wills and advance directives, predatory lending, contracts, immigration, foreclosure defense, bankruptcy, Social Security, family law, seal/expunge, criminal law and dependency. They also are assisting some of our local non-profits in their work with low-income families and in blighted neighborhoods. These cases may include incorporation, copyright issues and contracts. Support is available for pro bono attorneys in the form of training, expert resources and professional liability insurance.
All of us in the legal community extend our thanks and sincere appreciation to our colleagues who are stepping up on behalf of the poor every day.
For more information on pro bono opportunities throughout the 4th Judicial Circuit, attorneys should contact Kathy Para, chairwoman of The JBA Pro Bono Committee, [email protected].