The theme on Friday for the Federal Bar Association Jacksonville Chapter’s eighth annual Spirit of Giving Holiday Luncheon was access to justice for all without regard for financial status.
The association recognized Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and criminal defense attorney and former state and federal public defender Mark Rosenblum for service to those who cannot afford representation in court.
Joseph Hatchett, former Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, said it’s up to the legal community to ensure all people have equal access to the courts in terms of representation.
“Lawyers know how to get things done. We have wide-ranging resources,” he said. “If we have a problem with access to justice, it’s our problem.”
In Florida, there is one legal aid attorney for every 10,700 people living in poverty. However, lack of access to representation is not an issue that faces only the indigent, Hatchett said.
It’s an issue that also affects people of moderate income who cannot afford a lawyer.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan urged association members to continue to contribute both financially and with their time to support representation for those in need.
“Survival of organized legal aid in this community is at stake,” he said.
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