Pro bono plea

An exciting initiative by Florida lawyers is being launched this week in conjunction with the American Bar Association's Celebration of Pro Bono.

The new One Campaign seeks to help alleviate the backlog of indigent Florida residents needing legal assistance.

The campaign slogan, "one client, one attorney, one promise" is aimed at getting all lawyers to take at least a single pro bono case.

Only a small portion of the legal needs of the poor is currently being addressed nationwide. Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida (CLSMF) attempts to meet the challenge in our communities of bringing access to the legal system to those in need.

A current report by the Legal Services Corporation states that for every one poor person receiving help through a legal aid program, another is turned away.

CLSMF is the main direct provider of free civil legal services in12 counties across Central Florida. Fortunately, our resources have been enhanced by the many dedicated and generous attorneys who provide their time and financial support to aid our clients.

The One Campaign encourages every Florida attorney to take just one pro bono case annually.

Chief Justice Peggy Quince states that "giving back to their communities, especially to assist the causes of the underprivileged, is a duty every lawyer assumes by taking the oath of attorney."

Lena Smith

Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida