All across the country this month, organizations are observing the American Bar Association's "Celebrate Pro Bono" week. The designated week is Oct. 20-26.
The purposes of the week are to recognize the service of pro bono attorneys providing assistance to low-income persons, recruit more pro bono attorneys to provide legal services and build awareness of pro bono legal services in the broader community.
In September, there was a mayoral proclamation of "Celebrate Pro Bono" observances and of the special week. Local events still to come include:
Oct. 1-31: Take one case. The One Campaign — One Client. One Attorney. One Promise: If you haven't already, take one case. Attorneys who don't have at least one case are encouraged to visit the pro bono case resource at jaxlegalaid.org, click on "cases in need of placement with pro bono attorneys" and request information on a case. Cases are identified by Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Northeast Florida Medical Legal Partnership and Three Rivers Legal Services. Contact Kathy Para, chairwoman of The JBA Pro Bono Committee, [email protected], (904) 356-8371, ext. 363.
Today, 6-8 p.m.: Three Rivers Legal Services pro bono appreciation, BlackFinn American Grille. Three Rivers Legal Services says thank you to pro bono attorneys for their commitment and assistance to low-income clients. For information, attorneys should contact Chardea Murray, pro bono coordinator, [email protected].
Tuesday, 6-7:30 p.m.: Jacksonville Area Legal Aid intake night and case acceptance forum, City Rescue Mission, 426 S. McDuff Ave. Pro bono attorneys provide guidance to residents in the Life Builders program at the City Rescue Mission. Pro bono attorneys may accept a case for follow-up after the intake night. Interested attorneys should contact Blane McCarthy, [email protected].
Oct. 21: Financial News & Daily Record full-page "thank you" to those providing pro bono legal assistance to low-income persons.
Oct. 21-25: Lawyers in Libraries, a new statewide initiative. The goal is to have pro bono lawyers in public libraries throughout Florida to speak with patrons about access to justice and to demonstrate through a PowerPoint presentation and handout the online legal resources that a patron can access. Presentations will be made in Duval, Clay, Nassau, St. Johns and Baker counties. Interested pro bono attorneys should contact Kathy Para at [email protected], (904) 356-8371, ext. 363, or Chardea Murray, pro bono coordinator, TRLS, at [email protected].
Oct. 22, 5:30-7 p.m.: JALAween and Wine Down — The annual JALA open house and reception. Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, 126 W. Adams St., will host an open house and reception as a thank you to pro bono attorneys, supporters and others, and to provide information on the scope of civil legal services provided. Guests may take a 15-minute, self-guided tour of the offices, trick-or-treating along the way. Children and grandchildren are welcome. After the tour, guests are invited to a reception at the Zodiac restaurant and will have an opportunity to meet some of our judges. The children of partner agencies are invited to trick-or-treat from 4-5 p.m. Attorney response is appreciated but not required to Kathy Para at [email protected], (904) 356-8371, ext. 363.
Oct. 23, 1 p.m.: Celebrating the contributions of pro bono bankruptcy attorneys. The Middle District and the Jacksonville Bankruptcy Bar Association recognize the pro bono efforts of members of our local bankruptcy bar. Remarks and presentation by Judge Catherine Peek Mc-Ewen with a reception to follow. Attorneys who would like more information may contact Gull Weaver,[email protected].
Oct. 24, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Florida Coastal School of Law Pro Bono Fall Forum, 8787 Baypine Road. The purpose is to encourage and educate students to get involved with pro bono representation. Legal services organizations and other community resource providers are invited to set up displays and distribute information on volunteer and pro bono opportunities for students and attorneys. Lunch will be provided. For information, contact Karen Millard, director, pro bono programs, Florida Coastal School of Law, [email protected].
Oct. 24, 2-4 p.m.: Pro bono case placement rally at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. JALA board members and legal community leaders will commit to place at least three cases with pro bono attorneys before the leader is "allowed" to go home. Cases will be identified by JALA, Northeast Florida Medical Legal Partnership and Three Rivers Legal Services. Attorneys interested in participating should contact Kathy Para at [email protected], (904) 356-8371, ext. 363.
Oct. 29, 5:30-8:30 p.m.: Florida Bar Business Law Section, Nonprofit Organizations Legal Services Forum, Florida Coastal School of Law, 8787 Baypine Road. Transactional attorneys will consult with local nonprofit organizations in the areas of contracts, employment, incorporation and real estate. Attorneys interested in helping should contact John Macdonald, [email protected]. Nonprofit agencies interested in participating should contact Kathy Para at [email protected], (904) 356-8371, ext. 363.
Nov. 16, 6 p.m.: Guardian ad Litem appreciation dinner, University of North Florida. This annual event recognizes the volunteers who serve dependent children in Northeast Florida. For information, contact Christine Meyer at [email protected]
Watch for more information in the spring: The law offices of Public Defender Matt Shirk, SAPD pro bono opportunities and criminal law training. Topics covered include court procedures and representation in misdemeanor matters. Upon completion, participants will be appointed as Special Assistant Public Defenders (SAPDs) and become eligible for an assignment to a misdemeanor case. Contact Lori at (904) 255-4740 to be notified of the training date. Contact Kate Bedell, [email protected], for information.