Dmitry Ersler - stock.adobe.com
I have mixed feelings about summer.
On the one hand, I don’t get it off so there is no proper summer vacay. Oh, how I long for those halcyon summer vacation days. On the other hand, it’s hot and humid, so I am going to stay inside anyway.
Summer means chances to reflect on our history, celebrate the world around us, and get outside to meet new folks. For example:
On Memorial Day, we honor veterans who lost their lives in service. Coming from a long line of service members, this is a meaningful holiday for me.
I particularly enjoy the history and tradition, not the least of which has become the unofficial start to summer.
Juneteenth is a day to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The holiday, a combination of June and 19th, refers to an order proclaiming freedom for the enslaved people in Texas, issued on June 19, 1865.
June also is Pride Month, during which we honor and celebrate the LGBTQ community.
This month of recognition started in the 1990s in recognition of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a series of protests in response to police raids at the Stonewall Inn in New York City.
Last but not least, we celebrate the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America.
Summer - June, specifically - is the time to renew your Bar license. As you probably know, Florida attorneys are encouraged to perform at least 20 hours of pro bono service per year or donate at least $350 to a civil legal aid organization annually.
If you opt for the latter, please consider Three Rivers Legal Services as your chosen organization. You can make your contribution at www.trls.org.
If you are interested in pro bono service, there is a project or case out there for you.
Three Rivers screens all cases for eligibility. We also provide liability coverage, access to our staff attorneys and other mentors, office space and reimbursement of litigation-related expenses.
We make every effort to ensure you have a positive experience volunteering with TRLS.
Telephonic Housing Clinic
This advice-only clinic is offered every Tuesday from 5-6 p.m. Appointments are scheduled for 45 minutes.
TRLS staff screen and schedule clients, notifying volunteers of their assignments on the Friday (or Monday) prior to the clinic.
Issues usually involve private landlord/tenant issues such as eviction, repairs and security deposits. Volunteers complete an online form during the call so that TRLS knows what advice was given and if any follow-up by staff is needed.
Pro Se Divorce Clinics
These clinics are offered every three months in Jacksonville and comprise a session at 9 a.m. and another at 2 p.m.
Volunteers are asked to help pro se filers complete the Financial Affidavit (short form), petition and the UCCJEA and answer questions about the pro se divorce process.
The next clinic is scheduled Aug. 29.
We are working on restarting our Small Claims Clinic. These sessions will be a telephone conversation with a client, wherein volunteers will provide advice/counsel on filing small claims. Clients are prescreened by TRLS staff and any available information/documentation will be emailed to the volunteer at least two days prior to the call.
Advice and Counsel/Brief Services
We are in constant need of volunteers to work with clients, one-on-one, to complete pro se divorce packets.
We also have clients in need of advance directives including drafting last will & testament, health care surrogates, power of attorney, living wills and pre-need guardianships.
These cases can be handled remotely by appointment with documents notarized/witnessed at the TRLS office.
Finally, you can take on a client matter for full representation in a variety of areas including bankruptcy, special education, family law, housing/property, consumer, income maintenance and trusts & estates.
We are in particular need of attorneys to assist with probate cases, guardianship and guardian advocacy and landlord/tenant disputes.
• Duval County (22-0344474): Represent client in guardianship of adult child.
• Clay County (23-0346835): Represent client in guardianship of adult child.
• St. Johns County (22-0345558): Represent client in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Client has three unsecured loans, no assets and is homeless. His minimum wage paycheck is being garnished.
• Baker County (20-0328644): Represent client in probate summary administration.
We also have criminal expungement cases throughout our service area. While the application needs to be filed in the county of conviction, this work can be done remotely. TRLS may be able to assist with the $75 application fee, as well.
If you would like to take on any of the cases above, contact me and include the identification number. If you are interested in another kind of case, just let me know. Contact me at [email protected] or 352-415-2315. You also can select an available case and learn more about TRIS’s Pro Bono Legal Assistance Program at trls.org/volunteer/