Celebrate Pro Bono Week in the Eleventh Circuit
It’s time to celebrate pro bono work in the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The American Bar Association’s (ABA) Celebrate Pro Bono Week is October 23-29.
ABA Model Rule 6.1 recommends that every lawyer provide 50 hours of pro bono service each year, but a recent survey administered revealed that only approximately one-fourth of respondents had provided 50 hours or more of free legal services to persons of limited means or to organizations that support the needs of persons of limited means.
As the economy continues to struggle, the ABA notes that lawyers can make a positive impact on their communities by providing pro bono services to individuals, non-profits, community groups, and other organizations that might otherwise strain to afford legal services.
The ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service reports that 80 percent of the civil legal needs of the poor are not being met. "A legal system isn't just or fair if it is not accessible to the most vulnerable in society," said ABA President Bill Robinson. He added that 40 states experienced reductions in their judicial budgets last year, contributing to hardship for those needing legal help.
Want to participate in a Pro Bono Week activity in one of the Eleventh Circuit states? There are plenty from which to choose.
Lawyers near Jacksonville, Fla. could drop by Florida Coastal School of Law's Fall Forum of Pro Bono and Volunteer Opportunities on October 27, while Miami lawyers can participate in a pro bono panel discussion at the HOPE Public Interest Resource Center on October 26.
On October 27, Atlanta's John Marshall Law School is hosting a Re-Entry Forum for formerly incarcerated citizens currently on parole or probation, and the Birmingham Volunteer Lawyers Committee is recognizing pro bono accomplishments at its Law Firm Leadership Reception.
If you're not already volunteering pro bono hours, Celebrate Pro Bono Week is a great time to start. For more information on Celebrate Pro Bono Week programs near you, check out the ABA's interactive event map.
And for more news and information about the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, visit FindLaw's Eleventh Circuit blog.
Related Resources:
- Eleventh Circuit Enjoins Provisions of Alabama Immigration Law (FindLaw's Eleventh Circuit blog)
- Five Things to Know About Eleventh Circuit Bar Admission (FindLaw's Eleventh Circuit blog)
- Judicial Conference Recommends New Policy for Sealing Records (FindLaw's Eleventh Circuit blog)