LEGAL AID CORNER
History of pro bono service
By LINDA HARRADINE CEO , Legal Aid of Manasota , Inc .
Each spring , the attorneys in our Circuit receive both an annual dues statement from the Florida Bar and Legal Aid of Manasota ’ s annual recruitment letter and registration form . Some attorneys may remember how this annual ritual started some 30 years ago , however there are many more who may never have thought about why this is . It seems like a good time to share the history of pro bono service in our community with those who never asked , and for those who may have forgotten .
To provide some historical context , in a 1991 ruling the Supreme Court of Florida strongly recommended that all lawyers perform 20 hours of pro bono service per year or contribute $ 350 to an organization providing legal services to the poor . In response to that ruling , a group of concerned lawyers and judges of the Sarasota and Manatee County Bar Associations founded Legal Aid of Manasota , Inc . Since that time LAMS has been designated as the administrative agency for pro bono in the 12th Judicial Circuit .
The primary work of Legal Aid of Manasota has always been to match income eligible clients with private attorneys who have agreed to provide pro bono representation . The attorney ’ s involvement ranges from counsel and advice to extended case handling . Approximately one-third of the cases handled are family law matters where there is documented domestic violence and / or child abuse ; one-third are housing matters such as landlord tenant disputes or mobile homes issues ; and the remaining cases include issues of consumer fraud , preparation of advance directives , and guardianships .
Other goals and purposes of Legal Aid include : educating the public on legal rights and responsibilities ; providing legal assistance to non-profits through the Community Counsel Project ; and sponsoring Continuing Legal Education seminars on issues relating to the representation of low-income clients . LAMS also participates in the statewide pro bono recognition program . Every attorney who provides over 20 hours of pro bono service through LAMS is awarded a lapel pin and receives a letter of commendation from the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court .
Over the past 30 years the cost to operate Legal Aid of Manasota has increased significantly , and the need for our services has greatly increased , yet the $ 350 recommended donation has not . LAMS has added a few staff attorneys to help handle specific high priority cases , however we are still a long way from meeting the actual needs in our community . Based upon the 2017 Legal Services Corporation “ Justice Gap Report ,” 86 % of civil legal problems reported by low-income Americans received inadequate or no legal help . Their issues include problems with health care , housing conditions , disability access , veterans ’ benefits , and domestic violence . Access to a pro bono attorney can be life changing for these families .
For those who are unsure about what to expect as a pro bono volunteer , we can assure you that we will find a pro bono project to fit your needs . The opportunities include : assisting with a pro se clinic ; client intake ; mediation ; representation of an individual ; or handling a legal matter for a local non-profit . Whatever your area of expertise , Legal Aid of Manasota is sure to have the right opportunity for you .
Margaret Mead said it so well , “ Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful , committed citizens can change the world . Indeed , it is the only thing that ever has .” Please keep Legal Aid of Manasota in mind this year and consider accepting a pro bono case ( or two ) or making a donation in lieu of service . We hope that you will help Legal Aid of Manasota continue to make a difference in our community this year and into the future .
Find out more
For more information , or to volunteer , please contact Pamela Fields , Esq . at PamelaF @ legalaidofmanasota . org
CLERK ’ S CORNER
Review cases online and stay informed of filings using ClerkNet
The Sarasota Clerk and Comptroller offers various online service options to conduct business any time of the day or night in accordance with Supreme Court Administrative Order , AOSC20-108 . Here in Sarasota County , we utilize ClerkNet , where users can review electronic court records based on their authorized level of access .
The administrative order provides access to those who register online , including anonymous users , general registrants , law enforcement , and members of the legal profession , to name a few . For attorneys , it ’ s best to register as an Attorney of Record as it also includes
Registered User access to all cases .
CLERK ’ S CORNER
Karen E . Rushing Clerk of Court and County Comptroller
Registration to ClerkNet is easy to access and follow :
n Visit SarasotaClerk . com / ClerkNet and click on New User . n Have a password readily available as the system will require one during set-up . n Select Attorney of Record from the user-type groups . n Follow the prompts accordingly .
When using ClerkNet , there are a few things to keep in mind :
n Your Bar Number is required to register as an attorney – the system uses your status to verify access . n If your email address changes , you will need to register as a new user after the Bar is notified of your new contact information . n Court case information available remotely includes civil and criminal records from 2001 to the present , and cases in a reopen status before 2001 . n Use the Clerk case number format to access confidential cases such as dependency , delinquency , mental health , and adoptions . These cases are not searchable by name or by truncating the case number .
We also recommend attorneys sign up for email alerts to receive immediate notifications of filings for cases of interest , irrespective of whether you are the attorney of record . This service is limited to non-confidential cases and alerts can be established on an individual case basis .
ClerkNet is a valuable tool , and as we continuously seek ways to provide easy access to court records , let us know how we can improve your experience .
The Docket · June 2021 11