On Wednesday, the legal, business and nonprofit communities will gather for the annual Equal Justice event to benefit Jacksonville Area Legal Aid.
The event is a celebration of nearly 80 years of philanthropy and pro bono legal service. Although the list of attorneys who provide civil legal assistance to low-income people is long, four attorneys will receive the Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award.
Laura Boeckman
Laura Boeckman has a clear and strong commitment to access to justice for all. She carries that commitment to each facet of her work and leadership in the legal profession.
Boeckman initiates support for legal services staff attorneys, pro bono attorneys and law students by advocating for reduced membership fees in voluntary Bar associations, teaching Continuing Legal Education webinars and serving as an expert resource.
Boeckman was instrumental in launching the pro bono bankruptcy practice groups. During the past decade, she has provided representation to dozens of pro bono clients primarily focusing on consumer disputes.
She has donated hundreds of hours of pro bono service and is a vocal and energetic advocate advancing the availability of civil legal services for low-income people.
Bruce Duggar
Bruce Duggar has been an active and willing pro bono attorney for nearly two decades and has assisted dozens of pro bono clients with guardianships, wills and advance directives.
Duggar participates regularly in the Advance Directives for Seniors projects at our HUD residential facilities, provides expert resource assistance, counsels at Estate Planning Intake Night and presents legal information at Lawyers in Libraries events.
He is one of JALA’s “go-to” pro bono attorneys in the elder law areas. In all he does, Duggar exhibits professionalism, compassion and a generous spirit. He routinely goes the extra mile for some of the most vulnerable and underserved among us — our senior citizens.
Blane McCarthy
Blane McCarthy is this year’s recipient of The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Award in addition to receiving the Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award of JALA. (Read related story on McCarthy's award from The Florida Bar. )
More than 13 years ago, McCarthy initiated a project at the City Rescue Mission to support residents in its LifeBuilders Program. Five times a year, McCarthy and members of the Christian Legal Society conduct intake interviews with residents who have legal issues and questions.
The purpose of the project goes beyond intake. The pro bono attorneys also commit to assisting the interviewee in resolving his/her legal matter if further follow-up is needed. McCarthy models that commitment himself and has represented more than 50 people.
Participants in the Lifebuilders program are setting new goals for themselves as productive and positive members of their families and our community. McCarthy’s leadership and advocacy help them achieve those goals.
Lois Ragsdale
Lois Ragsdale has provided pro bono assistance in many forms — from service on the JALA board of directors as chair of the search committee to direct case representation.
Ragsdale has presented webinars in support of other attorneys on landlord/tenant law and has served as an expert resource. Her pro bono representation has included cases involving foreclosure, federally subsidized housing, landlord/tenant and housing discrimination.
She recently co-counseled, with a JALA attorney, on a federally subsidized housing case in which the parties had requested a jury trial. The JALA client prevailed, ensuring housing stability for a family with several school-aged children.
It is not hard to imagine the chaos and upheaval that would have resulted for those children had it not been for Ragsdale’s advocacy in the case.
Her pro bono efforts have a far-reaching positive impact for low-income clients, their families and our community.
The contributions of every pro bono attorney in the 4th Judicial Circuit are deeply appreciated by all in the legal community. Giving a voice to the those who would be unrepresented in a legal matter helps ensure fairness and justice for all.
Whether it’s accepting one case, supporting another pro bono attorney or participating in an outreach event, each contribution makes a difference.
Sincere congratulations and appreciation are extended to Boeckman, Duggar, McCarthy and Ragsdale, and every attorney giving some of their unique legal skills to those in need.
For information on pro bono opportunities throughout the circuit, contact Kathy Para, chair of The JBA Pro Bono Committee, at [email protected]. Visit jaxlegalaid.org for details and ticket information for the Jan. 21 Equal Justice event.