THE NEED FOR PRIVATE ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT

Over 200,000 individuals in the 14 county Legal Services of Eastern Michigan service area live at or below the federal poverty income guidelines making them financially eligible for free legal assistance from Legal Services of Eastern Michigan.  With recent federal cuts, the number of Legal Services attorneys to provide assistance has dropped to 20, equaling approximately one legal services attorney for every 10,000 poor people.  There are over 2,000 private attorneys in the same 14 county area.  The impact these private attorneys could have on the availability of legal services to the poor through participation in the program is enormous.

 

This is your call to join your colleagues in supporting a vital service that only attorneys within our community can provide.  While we all receive countless requests from charitable organizations on behalf of many worthwhile causes, the contribution of your legal skills is something you are uniquely able to provide.

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WHY YOU SHOULD GET INVOLVED

By volunteering, you may gain valuable legal experience in new areas of law.  You will have the opportunity to hone your skills either through direct client representation, outreach, or through a legal advice clinic.  Sample documents and mentors are available to assist you, and LSEM will provide research access, and out-of-pocket costs as well as malpractice insurance for pro bono cases.

 

Many flexible opportunities are available by which every attorney can become involved at a level personally convenient to them.

 

Besides satisfying your professional obligation to render pro bono legal service, you will undoubtedly find your pro bono experience is one that is both professionally and personally rewarding.  Through pro bono work, you will have a significant impact on the life of someone who is less fortunate than you.