Two attorneys from Kitch and two local solo practitioners proved their dedication to pro bono work on Feb. 25, forging through a severe winter storm to volunteer during the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association Foundation’s monthly legal clinic.
Klaudia Nikolli and Yasir Muhammad from Kitch joined Mary Kosmalski of Grosse Pointe Park and Mary Beth Leija of Detroit to advise clients on topics ranging from landlord-tenant tenant disputes and summary disposition in a civil case to an emergency custody filing in the wake of domestic violence.
“We always appreciate the local attorneys who come out to serve – but I have to say, the attorneys who volunteered for this most recent clinic really went above and beyond,” said DMBAF Access to Justice Coordinator Dennis Donahue.
“The clients who attend these clinics truly need us, and they come out regardless of the weather,” he continued. “So I’m particularly grateful that Klaudia, Yasir, Mary, and Mary Beth were willing to deal with a trying commute to serve them.”
For their part, the attorneys who participated were happy they did so.
“There’s a real sense of fulfillment when you’re able to make a difference – and that’s what keeps me coming out,” Muhammad explained.
According to Leija, she has seen a growing need for pro bono services during her career.
“I’ve been practicing for thirty-eight years, and the need for pro bono assistance has become even more pronounced over the past ten years,” she said. “I believe it’s my responsibility, not only as a member of the Bar, but as an individual to try and help out as many people as possible who can’t afford to retain counsel.”
“If every attorney took on a few pro bono clients a year, maybe the need would be alleviated. Personally, I get great satisfaction from helping out.”
The clinics, which take place on the fourth Thursday of every month, are a project of the DMBAF, the Wayne County Self-Help Center, the Third Circuit Court, and the Wayne County Legal Resources Consortium. During the events indigent clients are able to seek help on a wide variety of issues including family law, landlord-tenant issues, and insurance claims.
A general knowledge of the law is all that is required to volunteer effectively; the DMBAF and its partners provide on-site expertise to handle any questions that volunteers aren’t equipped to handle.
The next Detroit Legal Services Clinic will take place on Thursday, March 24 at the Penobscot Building in Detroit. For more information or to volunteer contact Access to Justice Coordinator Dennis Donahue: ddonahue@detroitlawyer.org.
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