10th annuaL hCba 5k Pro bono river run- running anD Pro bono serviCe
5K Pro Bono River Run Committee Chairs: Hon. John Conrad and Hon. Miriam Valkenburg – Thirteenth Judicial Circuit
What does running have to do with pro bono service? If you’ re asking yourself that exact same question, continue reading. The HCBA, in conjunction with the Thirteen Judicial Circuit, is hosting its 10th Annual 5K Pro Bono River Run on Saturday, March 3, in conjunction with the annual Judicial Pig Roast. Runners participating in the 5K are encouraged to pledge community service hours as part of their entry. As members of The Florida Bar, we have a“ professional responsibility to provide pro bono legal services to the poor.” See R. Regulating Fla. Bar 4-6.1( d). Often, lawyers fail to meet their responsibility to provide pro bono services because we are afraid to volunteer in an unfamiliar area of law.
Providing pro bono services for the first time is very much like running a race. Your heart pounds, your palms may sweat, and you find yourself wondering,“ Why, am I doing this?” Rest assured, running( or walking) a 5K is just as painless as providing legal services to those in need. In fact, both provide the participant with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment— and both fulfill a goal. Participating in the 5K will fulfill your physical aspirations, perhaps training, losing weight, or just staying in shape. Providing pro bono legal services will fulfill
“ if it doesn’ t challenge you, it won’ t change you.”— fred Devito
your professional responsibility and provide you with a new legal challenge.
Remember,“ If it does not challenge you, it won’ t change you.” As legal professionals, we are always up for a good challenge— why not challenge yourself to take on one new case that may change you? It may change the way you think, take you out of your comfort zone, and, most importantly, help someone that truly is in need of legal services. The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit has been a“ consistent leader in helping poor and low-income residents obtain access to justice.” See Hillsborough County Bar Assoc. Pro Bono / Volunteer Opportunities. Since 2011, runners participating in the HCBA 5K Pro Bono River Run have pledged 11,505 pro bono service hours and have provided 13,751 hours of FREE legal services to our community. We challenge you to continue this tradition and join us as we help those that need it the most.
Please join the Thirteen Judicial Circuit and the HCBA on March 3 at 4:30 p. m, for the 10th annual 5K Pro Bono River Run. The race features music, water stations, entertainment, guaranteed camaraderie, and the best goody bags in town. This event has consistently been an overwhelming success. Please register online at www. hillsbar. com and remember to pledge your pro-bono hours for the 2018 calendar year. Pre-registration recommended.
Author: Hon. Miriam Valkenburg- Thirteenth Judicial Circuit
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