5/8/09

"A Lawyer Helps" — and the State Bar of Michigan wants everyone to know just how much.

The Bar, in cooperation with a host of partners including civil legal aid agencies, bar associations, law schools, law firms and the Michigan State Bar Foundation, has launched a program to celebrate and support lawyers' public service.

"A Lawyer Helps" has two goals: recognizing how lawyers make a difference everyday for people and society and providing tools for them to continue doing so.

"Thousands of Michigan lawyers contribute pro bono or free legal services to low-income people every year, and thousands more give generous financial support for legal aid. They also give time by volunteering in their local communities," said Ed Pappas, president of the State Bar of Michigan. "We are extremely proud of that record, and 'A Lawyer Helps' will shine a light on their efforts."

"A Lawyer Helps" focuses on the legal profession's priority of pro bono free legal help for the poor and financial donations to help nonprofit legal aid agencies, and it recognizes that many lawyers also provide other community service.  These volunteer efforts will be featured extensively in State Bar publications including the May issue of the Michigan Bar Journal, and on a new website at www.alawyerhelps.org. Attorneys interested in getting involved in pro bono and community service opportunities can seek information at that website, and lawyers can also find a link to donate online to the Access to Justice Fund for the statewide endowment or for a local legal aid program. In addition, the website provides information on how to obtain "A Lawyer Helps" gear such as t-shirts, aprons, or buttons to wear while volunteering and ways to recognize lawyer volunteers.

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