The equal access to justice flag is waving in Clay County.
That’s FLAG — for Florida Legal Access Gateway, a statewide initiative to help people who can’t afford civil legal counsel to help themselves.
The portal launched Thursday as a limited pilot program through Nov. 30 for residents of Clay County.
It offers a starting point that guides people to online services and pro bono or low-cost representation in divorce and/or eviction actions.
The portal is hosted by the Florida Justice Technology Center in coordination with the Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice, The Florida Bar and The Florida Bar Foundation.
It was developed by the Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice, which was formed by state Supreme Court Chief Justice Jorge Labarga to identify solutions to bridge the gap for people who need legal guidance but are either unable to afford an attorney or don’t know the steps to take to get the help they need.
The pilot project refers users to any of several services, including the clerk’s office, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Three Rivers Legal Services and online resources through DIY Florida and floridalawhelp.org.
Another option is Clay County’s “low bono” service that offers a half-hour consultation with an attorney for $1 per minute.
The 2012-13 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index determined most people in the U.S. fall into a “civil justice gap” where they feel they must go it alone when faced with a legal issue.
The report found 81 percent of low-income litigants do not seek representation because they feel priced out of the legal market.
“Justice shouldn’t have a price tag, which is why we are committed to making sure legal support is not restricted only to those who can afford it,” said William Schifino Jr., president of The Florida Bar in a news release.
To view the portal, visit clayclerk.com.
(904) 356-2466