Attorneys Jonathan Anderson, Harold D. Pope III and George Googasian have been recruited to head the State Bar of Michigan's Access to Justice (ATJ) fundraising efforts in their communities. Anderson, of Varnum Riddering, Schmitt and Howlett, will lead the Grand Rapids area campaign. Harold Pope of Jaffe Raitt Heuer and Weiss, will take care of Wayne County and George Googasian of The Googasian Firm, will lead the Oakland and Livingston county efforts. They join statewide Campaign Co-chairs Scott Brinkmeyer and Nancy Diehl, and regional leaders Ron Keefe, Mike Dettmer, Randy Piper, Bob Garvey, Russ LaBarge and Craig Lubben in their work.

"This is a tremendous line-up of respected Bar members who have agreed to help the ATJ Campaign succeed in their communities. I am pleased that the Campaign has this kind of support around the state," said State Bar President Bruce W. Neckers. "One of the easiest ways for Bar members to support this initiative is to make a $300 annual pro bono contribution through the State Bar of Michigan dues statement. We encourage every member to support our legal aid programs by providing pro bono services or by contributing to the ATJ Fund."

The Access to Justice Campaign was started in 1998 by the State Bar of Michigan to financially strengthen legal aid services throughout Michigan. Michigan lawyers, corporations and foundations have responded to date with more than $2.5 million in donations and pledges. Money collected through the ATJ Campaign supports legal aid services and pays the staff and lawyers at nonprofit agencies around the state.

For more information about the Access to Justice Campaign, please call the ATJ development staff at 800-968-1442 or visit www.atjfund.org

Jonathan Anderson

Harold D. Pope III

George Googasian