ABA Free Legal Answers announces top 2023 volunteers
The American Bar Association web program ABA Free Legal Answers, which gives income-eligible users the ability to pose civil legal questions to volunteer attorneys, has released a list of lawyers, law firms, corporate law departments, law schools and other legal organizations nationwide that handled the most online questions in 2023.
Launched in 2016, the program operates in 43 jurisdictions, including through a recent federal portal that addresses veterans benefits and immigration questions. More than 13,500 attorneys nationally have registered to volunteer on ABA Free Legal Answers (FLA), which operates virtually. Of those, 148 attorneys were recognized as 2023 ABA Free Legal Answers Pro Bono Leaders for fielding at least 50 civil legal questions each.
In addition, 36 law firms, corporate law departments and other legal organizations ? 50% more than the previous year ? were recognized for answering at least 75 questions in 2023.
“ABA Free Legal Answers has become a vital link to civil legal aid for those in need,” ABA President Mary Smith said. “The program exemplifies a commitment to access to justice, with over 330,000 questions responded to and thousands of attorneys offering their expertise on a volunteer basis since its inception in 2016. The platform stands as a testament to the impact of pro bono work in addressing the legal needs of low-income communities.”
Geared to expand legal services for low-income communities, the service requires users to meet income eligibility guidelines applicable to each state. While expanding access to legal services, ABA Free Legal Answers also expands pro bono opportunities for attorneys in a convenient way to match their schedules.
Julie Phillips, a regulatory attorney at the Federal Aviation Administration, answered 70 civil legal questions in 2023 on the FLA site in Virginia where she is licensed. She said she loves being able to volunteer with ABA Free Legal Answers.
“It lets you instantly help people to understand their rights,” Phillips explained. “It’s so flexible: You can dedicate as much or as little time as you can.”
Launched in 2016, the program operates in 43 jurisdictions, including through a recent federal portal that addresses veterans benefits and immigration questions. More than 13,500 attorneys nationally have registered to volunteer on ABA Free Legal Answers (FLA), which operates virtually. Of those, 148 attorneys were recognized as 2023 ABA Free Legal Answers Pro Bono Leaders for fielding at least 50 civil legal questions each.
In addition, 36 law firms, corporate law departments and other legal organizations ? 50% more than the previous year ? were recognized for answering at least 75 questions in 2023.
“ABA Free Legal Answers has become a vital link to civil legal aid for those in need,” ABA President Mary Smith said. “The program exemplifies a commitment to access to justice, with over 330,000 questions responded to and thousands of attorneys offering their expertise on a volunteer basis since its inception in 2016. The platform stands as a testament to the impact of pro bono work in addressing the legal needs of low-income communities.”
Geared to expand legal services for low-income communities, the service requires users to meet income eligibility guidelines applicable to each state. While expanding access to legal services, ABA Free Legal Answers also expands pro bono opportunities for attorneys in a convenient way to match their schedules.
Julie Phillips, a regulatory attorney at the Federal Aviation Administration, answered 70 civil legal questions in 2023 on the FLA site in Virginia where she is licensed. She said she loves being able to volunteer with ABA Free Legal Answers.
“It lets you instantly help people to understand their rights,” Phillips explained. “It’s so flexible: You can dedicate as much or as little time as you can.”
SBM to celebrate attorneys with 50 years of service
The State Bar of Michigan will host its annual 50-Year Golden Celebration luncheon from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth to honor our colleagues who have been State Bar members since 1974.
To attend, register at www.michbar. org/50year. Tickets cost $45. (Honorees may register to receive two complementary tickets.)
Friends, family, and colleagues are invited to join to celebrate the honorees’ milestone achievement.
The full list of honorees can viewed at www.michbar.org/50year.
To attend, register at www.michbar. org/50year. Tickets cost $45. (Honorees may register to receive two complementary tickets.)
Friends, family, and colleagues are invited to join to celebrate the honorees’ milestone achievement.
The full list of honorees can viewed at www.michbar.org/50year.
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