One major misconception of legal aid is that attorneys are needed only to handle individual family law cases for pro bono clients. This couldn't be further from the truth.
Although some assistance is provided to individual clients through pro bono case representation, the majority of the assistance provided by Community Law Program is given through formal clinics. From family law and divorce forms clinics, to probate, bankruptcy and housing clinics, pro bono clients most times receive their legal advice in one-on-one limited interactions with attorneys through the more than 30 clinics held each month.
Often times, pro bono clients simply need advice regarding how to begin representing themselves, whether they are pointed in the direction of forms or packets for sale by the Pinellas Clerk, or advised on the filing of an answer or Motion to Dismiss. Sometimes, clients simply need to know the issues that are important in their case, and how the legal process works. Those clients are assisted in fifteen minutes or so during a clinic.
Attorney volunteers are always needed to staff clinics, in order to assist clients in need. Areas of law can include not only family law, but also landlord/tenant (or other housing/real property), civil litigation, probate/elder law, and bankruptcy. Since clinics are held at all times of the day (including a few evening clinics), attorneys can volunteer at clinics and times that suit their busy schedules. Volunteer time can range from a few hours each month, to a few hours each week.
If you can assist just a few hours each month for one of our clinics, please contact Kimberly Rodgers at 727-582-7480. We appreciate your help!
Susan A. Calistri
Staff Attorney
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