Kentucky Volunteer Lawyer Program
News
LEGAL AID HAS YOU TUBE VIDEOS
http://www.youtube.com/user/legalaidky
Log on and take a look at the new You Tube videos to help those who cannot afford an attorney. Currently, videos online are:
New videos are in the works so check periodically. If you have suggestions on what you want to see, let us know.
KENTUCKY SUPREME COURT CREATES
ACCESS TO JUSTICE COMMISSION
On October 14, 2010, Chief Justice John D. Minton, Jr.,
announced the creation of a Kentucky Access to Justice Commission. The
creation of a KAJC marks a significant step in Kentucky's efforts to provide
legal services to those who can not afford to hire an attorney. Kentucky
becomes the 26th state to create a commission. Access to justice commissions
engage the judiciary and other key stakeholders to address various needs
of the poor to get legal advice, counsel and representation. The KyVLP
wants to thank the Kentucky Supreme Court for its leadership with this
initiative and extend a special thanks to Justice Bill Cunningham for
his involvement in this effort. To learn more, go to www.kycourts.gov.
Celebrate Pro Bono!
A special thanks to all the Kentucky pro bono programs that helped "Celebrate
Pro Bono" in Kentucky! Most importantly, thanks to all the lawyers,
judges and paralegals who donate their services to help improve the legal
system. Mark your calendar and plan now for next year's celebration week,
October 23-30, 2011.
For more information visit www.celebrateprobono.org
or contact your local pro bono office. If you need any other information,
please contact jduncan@ajfky.org.
Support the KBA New Mentoring Pilot Program
The Kentucky Supreme Court has approved a new pilot program to help
new lawyers develop skills, judgment and values critical to the practice
of law. A portion of that program requires the mentor to introduce the
new lawyer to legal services and pro bono opportunities. The KyVLP and
local pro bono programs look forward to helping participants in the
Mentoring Program find opportunities. Please feel free to contact your
local pro bono program or the KyVLP with any questions you may have.
Services for volunteer attorneys
Coordinating pro bono online! The KyVLP makes it
easy for lawyers to volunteer. Lawyers can now come to this website
and sign up with their local pro bono program. Signing up on this website
is the same as signing up with your local program. After filling out
a brief sign-up page on this website, you may receive weekly emails
of persons in need of legal representation in your designated practice
and geographic areas if you choose. If you prefer to be advised of volunteer
opportunities by telephone, your coordinator will contact you accordingly.
You are not obligated to take a case simply by signing up to receive
the emails. When you are ready to take a case, simply reply to the email
notice or web link. You will then be contacted for a conflicts check
by your local pro bono coordinator. After clearing the conflicts check,
additional information may be available to you. Once the case is completed,
you will be able to close the case online as well. Try it out and let
us know your opinions and suggestions so together we can help those
in need.
Forms and mentors. By working through your local pro
bono program, often forms are available, particularly in family law cases,
to assist you. If your local program does not have the needed forms, your
local coordinator may be able to find what you need by contacting the
KyVLP or through another pro bono program. If need further assistance
or would like to discuss a legal issue, the pro bono coordinator will
try to help by finding another lawyer who practices in that particular
area of law.
Court Reporter Services. The
Kentucky Court Reporters Association is generously offering free services
on pro bono cases. If you are in need of court reporting services on your
pro bono case, contact your local legal aid office to see if members of
the association are available in your area.
