giVingBaCkin2023 — CommiTmenTToProBonoandProfeSSionaliSm
Health Care law Section Chairs : ElizabethScarola – EpsteinBecker & Green , P . C . & JenniferTouse – BayCareHealthSystem , Inc .
As we celebrate a new year , we reflect upon the power that each of us has to make positive change in our profession and in our community at large .
Take the first step today in deciding how you will help in this year ; and , please reach out to our section ’ s pro bono representative , Jenna Horowitz , if you are interested in learning more ( jbhorowitz @ ebglaw . com ).
A sample of select projects in our community follows . Please reach out to these , or any other organizations in our area , to offer your support :
• Volunteer Lawyers Program ( VLP ) Client Intake : Interview and advise legal aid applicants via Zoom two evenings a month from 5:00 – 7:00 p . m . No experience is necessary . New volunteers may shadow experienced attorneys . Training provided . https :// www . bals . org / voluneer
• Federal Litigation Project : Provide limited one-time consultations to pro se litigants in civil matters filed in federal courts in the Middle District of Florida . Organized by the
Tampa Bay Chapter of the Federal Bar Association . Contact : scott . mclaren @ hwhlaw . com .
• VLP Community Counsel : Provide transactional legal assistance to community groups and nonprofits that serve indigent residents or distressed neighborhoods . The project is an ideal opportunity for transactional attorneys and in-house counsel . https :// www . bals . org / volunteer .
• PROJECT H . E . L . P .: Volunteers provide advice and counsel to homeless individuals at Metropolitan Ministries ’ Outreach Center . Training is provided . Contact : natasha . khoyi @ gray-robinson . com .
• Crossroads For Florida Kids , Inc .: A nonprofit that trains and mentors pro bono attorneys to represent children in dependency proceedings . The organization also oversees the Juvenile Delinquency Attorney Ad Litem Program . Professional liability insurance is provided . Contact : rosemary @ crossroadsfloridakids . org .
• Guardian Ad Litem Program : Volunteer to become an appointed guardian to a young child in need . Training is provided . Contact :
Takethefirststep todayindeciding howyouwill helpinthisyear .
www . galtampa . org .
• Teen Court : Serve as a judge or mentor to help first-time juvenile offenders in Teen Court , a court-sponsored diversionary program . The project is organized by the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit . Contact : stokespl @ fljud13 . org .
• Wills For Heroes : Provide essential legal documents free of charge to first responders in Hillsborough County . The project uses volunteer attorneys and paralegals to provide wills , living wills , and powers of attorney during scheduled events . Training is provided . Contact : Katie @ everlovelegal . com .
If giving back to our section through intellectual contributions or mentorship is more aligned with your new year ’ s resolution , consider submitting articles to us for publication in this Lawyer magazine or presenting to our section at our May meeting ( May 24 , 12:00 p . m . – 1:00 p . m ).
We hope that this year brings each of you health , happiness , and prosperity .
We look forward to joining together again in service and thought leadership . n
Author : Elizabeth Scarola – Epstein Becker Green
Interested in Joining the Lawyer Referral & Information Service ? Visit hillsbar . com / page / JoinLRIS .
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