Pro bono lawyers to be honored by Oakland Courts

Lawyers will be honored for their pro bono work at a reception given by the Oakland County Circuit and Probate Courts on Wednesday, October 19. The event will take place at the courthouse located at 1200 North Telegraph Road in Pontiac for those attorneys who have handled pro bono work in 2011. The reception will be informal with light refreshments served in the Judicial Conference Room on the second floor from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. The reception celebrates pro bono lawyers and the difference they made in the Oakland County community, to its justice system, and to the clients they served. The need for legal services among low income people is overwhelming. Each year in Oakland County, pro bono lawyers offer free legal assistance and financial contributions on cases where the individual has no money to retain a lawyer or on those causes considered for the public good. The Circuit and Probate Courts applaud the efforts of those lawyers who provided free legal services to help low income people gain access to justice. Peter Alter, president of the Oakland County Bar Association, affirmed: "There is nothing more gratifying or important than providing pro bono services to those who need them. Indeed, it is a fundamental and essential part of the OCBA's mission and purpose. The OCBA applauds and congratulates all of those who are being honored for 'giving back' to their community and we look forward to participating in the Court's Pro Bono Appreciation Reception on October 19. Of course, the Oakland County Circuit and Probate Courts' recognition of the importance of such pro bono services is a credit to those courts and the judges who serve on them." Increasingly, judges see low income individuals trying to handle their own legal matters. On average three out of four low income people are turned away from legal service agencies because of the tremendous caseloads and lack of available resources. With pro bono help from more lawyers, the number of individuals represented will improve. Chief Probate Court Judge Linda Hallmark stated: "The judges of the Probate Court are deeply appreciative of the efforts of pro bono attorneys. We strive to provide equal access to justice for all of our citizens. Attorneys who serve as pro bono counsel, ensure a good outcome for litigants and save the court considerable time and expense. We are grateful to all of those who make this important sacrifice." "My colleagues and I recognize the efforts and dedication of these attorneys, who donate hour after hour of their time to helping those in need of legal assistance," said Chief Circuit Court Judge Nanci Grant. "Their pro bono work not only helps the less fortunate, but gives back to the community in a significant and meaningful way." Published: Mon, Oct 10, 2011

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