PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
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thelaa.org/)
Lawyers for Equal Justice (https://
lawyersforequaljustice.legal.io/)
Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
(https://www.pbpatl.org/)
While these programs may not have begun
as Atlanta Bar programs, all have received
funding from the monies raised by the
Atlanta Bar’s charitable arm, the Atlanta Bar
Foundation. Last year alone, the Foundation
distributed over $1.2 million in grants to
Atlanta-area pro bono legal service providers.
The individuals honored at this year’s
Celebrating Service Luncheon carry on the
Atlanta Bar’s proud tradition of service, and
it was inspiring to hear about their efforts
to help others in our community. The
event also allowed us to celebrate some of
the incredible programs operated by the
Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Atlanta Volunteer
Lawyers Foundation and the public
interest lawyers that make them happen.
As the stewards of the Bar’s legacy of service,
we continue to look for other ways the Atlanta
Bar can help the community. This year, we
have turned our focus on the humanitarian
issues that afflict those in the undocumented
immigrant community.
Low income
families in that community experience
many of the same legal problems that affect
other indigent people, but these issues are
exacerbated due to their undocumented
status. And there are obviously other
legal issues surrounding the immigration
process itself where having a lawyer can
mean all the difference in the world.
Over the next several months, we will
continue to meet with stakeholders in the
undocumented immigrant community to
find ways that the Atlanta Bar and its members
can help. As we do so, we have scheduled two
events that we hope all members of the Bar
will consider participating in or attending.
First, we are partnering with GAIN, Kids
In Need of Defense (KIND) (https://
supportkind.org/), and the Tahirih Justice
Center (https://www.tahirih.org/) on a
Holiday Service Project. As you probably
know, these three groups work with low
income families in the undocumented
immigrant community. Each year, they
provide a holiday event where their clients
can choose gifts for their children. The
Atlanta Bar will sponsor a book drive
in connection with the event, where
Bar members can donate books to be
offered to clients during the Holiday
celebration. Visit the Amazon link to
begin:
https://amzn.to/370L78v
Atlanta Bar members can also volunteer
to work at the
celebration
itself,
reading books to
Individuals honored at this year’s
children as their
Celebrating Service Luncheon
parents “shop” for
carry on the Atlanta Bar’s proud
gifts, wrapping gifts,
tradition of service, and it was
and in many other
ways.
The event
inspiring to hear about their
will be held from
efforts to help others in our
9:30 to 3 p.m. on
community.
The event also
December 14, 2019.
allowed us to celebrate some of
the incredible programs operated
Second, we ask that
by the Atlanta Legal Aid Society,
you please save the
AVLF and the public interest
date of February 5,
lawyers that make them happen.
2020 for an event
at the Georgia
State
University
School of Law. On that date, we will hold
a panel discussion on issues facing the
undocumented immigrant community
and the ways people are already helping
address these issues. In addition We will
have many of the stakeholders already
working in this community present to share
more about their work and ways other
members of the Atlanta Bar can get involved.
As members of the Atlanta Bar family,
we can all be proud of the incredible
contributions made by the Bar members
recognized at this year’s Celebrating Service
Luncheon. As the Atlanta Bar President, I
was honored to share a stage with them and
hear about their commitment to serving the
Atlanta community. Despite their efforts,
however, we can rest assured that much
work remains to be done. So as we focus this
month on public service, we hope you will
all consider committing some time – even
if just a little – to one of the fantastic local
pro bono organizations in the Atlanta area.
The reward, both personally and for the
greater Atlanta community, is well worth it.
Ryan K. Walsh
Atlanta Bar Association President
www.atlantabar.org THE ATLANTA LAWYER
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