Friends:
Librarians can provide legal assistance to their patrons, as demonstrated
by public libraries in Florida. For this service to be effective librarians
should work with advocates and students of law. Please spread the word
among librarians, students of law, and public minded lawyers.
Please see the following news story.
Pro bono spotlight: Attorneys needed for 2015-16 Lawyers in Libraries
Monday, September 7, 11:15 AM EDT
By Kathy Para, The JBA Pro Bono Committee Chair
In the fall of 2013, libraries across Florida joined forces with legal
services staff and pro bono attorneys to bring legal guidance to library
patrons.
The project continues in Northeast Florida and has expanded. There is now a
dire need of pro bono attorneys to present information in a broad range of
substantive areas in one-hour group sessions.
The “Lawyers in Libraries” project was launched by Florida Legal Services
in collaboration with the The Florida Bar Foundation One Campaign, the
Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services of The Florida Bar, the
Florida Pro Bono Coordinators Association, the Florida Library Association
and the Division of Library and Information Services of the State of
Florida.
In today’s technologically driven world, many low-income families rely on
public libraries to access the Internet free of charge, as well as to
obtain information for numerous services.
Many patrons turn to librarians for legal information and research
resources. A librarian may be the first person to whom someone facing a
legal problem turns. Realizing the level on which our low-income residents,
in particular, rely on libraries for information, the “Lawyers in
Libraries” project was born.
The group information sessions take two forms: Online Free Legal Resources
and Topics in the Law.
An attorney who presents the “Online Free Legal Resources” session, is
provided with an already-developed PowerPoint presentation and a handout
for attendees.
The attorney, with the help of the PowerPoint, describes the resources
available on legal websites such asfloridabar.org, floridalawhelp.org
http://floridalawhelp.org/ and flcourts.org http://flcourts.org/.
The handout provides information on these and other websites and how to
access local legal organizations for help. The pro bono attorney does not
need expertise to present this topic. All materials are provided.
An attorney who conducts a one-hour “Topics in the Law” group presentation,
designs a 45-minute presentation in a specific area (PowerPoint not
required).
The attorney allows time to address questions, keeping the entire session
to one hour. Library branch managers request topics such as dissolution of
marriage, landlord/tenant, employment, income tax, foreclosure, bankruptcy
and small claims.
Attorneys sign up for topics and dates that are convenient for them.
These events are free and open to the public. The schedule and topics are
promoted to the public in the libraries and on the library website,
jaxpubliclibrary.org http://jaxpubliclibrary.org/. Click on “Programs
and Events.”
Sincere appreciation is extended to these attorneys who have served as
presenters for the “Lawyers in Libraries” project: B.J. Taylor, Monica
Lenoci, Imani Boykin, Deborah Reid, Peter Stoumbelis, David Milton, Bram
Scharf, Jamie Karpman, Rob Ellis, LaVerne Andreasen, Kelly Usery, LaToya
Williams, Tracy Engle, Jonathan Ross, Chardea Murray, Ingrid Osborn, Lisa
DiFranza, Sarah Allison, Troy Farquhar, Beth Luna, Jennifer Jerome,
Elizabeth Ondriezek, Justin Sorrell, Ramona Chaplin, Ariel Cook, Clayton
Miller, Colleen White, Jim Millard, Lynn Drysdale, Laura Boeckman, Jeff
Haynie, Bruce Duggar, Vicki Bowers, Becky Barlow, Laura Gapske, Melina
Buncome, Refik Eller, Erik Berger, Carol Miller and Millie Kanyar.
“It would be super if we had the resources and the people to handle all of
the legal problems of the folks who qualify for our services but we don’t,”
said Kathy Grunewald, attorney and statewide training director for Florida
Legal Services. “The Lawyers in Libraries project is one way that we can
promote their access to justice in Florida, because there is right now in
Florida a justice gap.
“So many people are coming to court nowadays without representation — often
not knowing what documents or other information they need — that is causing
the court system to slow down,” she said. “Through this great partnership
with our library system we can reach people in the place they are used to
coming for reliable information — their local public library.”
Retired judge William Van Nortwick, of The Florida Bar’s Standing Committee
on Pro Bono Legal Services, said access to justice is a fundamental right
for citizens of Florida.
“But for many people, the inability to access legal information and
assistance can lead to negative results for themselves, their families, and
their communities,” said Van Nortwick. “The Florida Lawyers in Libraries
program will make it easier for Florida residents to find the legal
resources they need.”
*Attorneys who like to be presenters in the Lawyers in Libraries project
are encouraged to contact Kathy Para at kathy.para@jaxlegalaid.org