Reflecting a growing trend in the state, small firms in Michigan are stepping forward to provide financial support to the State Bar's Access to Justice Fund. The latest to do so are two firms in Southeastern Michigan. Weiner and Cox of Southfield, and Pear Sperling Eggan and Muskovitz PC of Ann Arbor have each pledged a $25,000 financial commitment to the ATJ Fund to be paid over time.

The Access to Justice Fund supports programs that provide civil legal services to low-income people. Weiner and Cox specialize in the representation of victims of medical negligence and serious injury accident cases. It is recognized as one of the more successful personal injury law firms in Michigan.

"We firmly believe that all citizens should have access to civil legal services, and for this reason Weiner and Cox is proud to participate in the State Bar's quest to raise money for access to these legal services," said Kevin J. Cox, a principal in the eleven member firm. The Weiner and Cox pledge was made to support the endowment fund for needs throughout the state. Pear Sperling Eggan and Muskovitz is a 13 member firm with offices in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor. The firm, which has been in existence for 50 years, provides a full range of legal services to both individuals and businesses.

"We've always supported legal aid programs financially and with our pro bono services," said Thomas E. Daniels, a principal in the firm. "Everyone at Pear Sperling is committed to ATJ and proud and pleased to be able to help."

Since the Pear Sperling firm has worked closely with Legal Services of Southern Michigan in the past, its gift will be designated to support the operations of that program. The gift was made through the collaborative efforts of the Friends of Legal Aid (FOLA) annual fundraising appeal, and the State Bar Access to Justice Campaign led by Ed Stein in Ann Arbor.

State Bar of Michigan Executive Director John Berry complimented the firms for their support. "Donations like the kind made by these firms show us that our message about access to justice for people is spreading," Berry said. "We have not only successfully invited firms to join us in new support for access, but we have coordinated with existing local efforts to secure larger gifts and demonstrate visibly that lawyers are passionate about justice."

For more information about the Access to Justice Fund, please visit the State Bar of Michigan web site at www.michbar.org.