In the fall of 2013, libraries across Florida joined forces with legal services staff and pro bono attorneys to bring legal guidance to library patrons.
The project continues in Northeast Florida and has expanded. There is now a dire need of pro bono attorneys to present information in a broad range of substantive areas in one-hour group sessions.
The “Lawyers in Libraries” project was launched by Florida Legal Services in collaboration with the The Florida Bar Foundation One Campaign, the Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services of The Florida Bar, the Florida Pro Bono Coordinators Association, the Florida Library Association and the Division of Library and Information Services of the State of Florida.
In today’s technologically driven world, many low-income families rely on public libraries to access the Internet free of charge, as well as to obtain information for numerous services.
Many patrons turn to librarians for legal information and research resources. A librarian may be the first person to whom someone facing a legal problem turns. Realizing the level on which our low-income residents, in particular, rely on libraries for information, the “Lawyers in Libraries” project was born.
The group information sessions take two forms: Online Free Legal Resources and Topics in the Law.
An attorney who presents the “Online Free Legal Resources” session, is provided with an already-developed PowerPoint presentation and a handout for attendees.
The attorney, with the help of the PowerPoint, describes the resources available on legal websites such as floridabar.org, floridalawhelp.org and flcourts.org.
The handout provides information on these and other websites and how to access local legal organizations for help. The pro bono attorney does not need expertise to present this topic. All materials are provided.
An attorney who conducts a one-hour “Topics in the Law” group presentation, designs a 45-minute presentation in a specific area (PowerPoint not required).
The attorney allows time to address questions, keeping the entire session to one hour. Library branch managers request topics such as dissolution of marriage, landlord/tenant, employment, income tax, foreclosure, bankruptcy and small claims.
Attorneys sign up for topics and dates that are convenient for them.
These events are free and open to the public. The schedule and topics are promoted to the public in the libraries and on the library website, jaxpubliclibrary.org. Click on “Programs and Events.”
Sincere appreciation is extended to these attorneys who have served as presenters for the “Lawyers in Libraries” project: B.J. Taylor, Monica Lenoci, Imani Boykin, Deborah Reid, Peter Stoumbelis, David Milton, Bram Scharf, Jamie Karpman, Rob Ellis, LaVerne Andreasen, Kelly Usery, LaToya Williams, Tracy Engle, Jonathan Ross, Chardea Murray, Ingrid Osborn, Lisa DiFranza, Sarah Allison, Troy Farquhar, Beth Luna, Jennifer Jerome, Elizabeth Ondriezek, Justin Sorrell, Ramona Chaplin, Ariel Cook, Clayton Miller, Colleen White, Jim Millard, Lynn Drysdale, Laura Boeckman, Jeff Haynie, Bruce Duggar, Vicki Bowers, Becky Barlow, Laura Gapske, Melina Buncome, Refik Eller, Erik Berger, Carol Miller and Millie Kanyar.
“It would be super if we had the resources and the people to handle all of the legal problems of the folks who qualify for our services but we don’t,” said Kathy Grunewald, attorney and statewide training director for Florida Legal Services. “The Lawyers in Libraries project is one way that we can promote their access to justice in Florida, because there is right now in Florida a justice gap.
“So many people are coming to court nowadays without representation — often not knowing what documents or other information they need — that is causing the court system to slow down,” she said. “Through this great partnership with our library system we can reach people in the place they are used to coming for reliable information — their local public library.”
Retired judge William Van Nortwick, of The Florida Bar’s Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services, said access to justice is a fundamental right for citizens of Florida.
“But for many people, the inability to access legal information and assistance can lead to negative results for themselves, their families, and their communities,” said Van Nortwick. “The Florida Lawyers in Libraries program will make it easier for Florida residents to find the legal resources they need.”
Attorneys who like to be presenters in the Lawyers in Libraries project are encouraged to contact Kathy Para at [email protected]. Staffing for the 2015-16 program year will begin this month.