4ALL STATEWIDE LEGAL SERVICE DAY

I wanted to diverge from my usual IP topics this week to give a shout out to the men and women of the NC Bar.  On Friday, March 6th, the NC Bar Association organized a statewide service day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  This was the 8th annual event in which attorneys from across the state answered phone calls from people needing legal advice who may otherwise be unable to obtain any due to cost.   I put in my 3 hour shift and answered over 30 calls.  The phones never stopped ringing.  

Sadly, accordingly to the News & Observer*, over 80% of people in this state that need legal advice and cannot afford, cannot get access to it.  There are too few legal aid attorneys or attorneys willing to donate their time pro bono to help those who need legal assistance but cannot afford it.

So for those attorneys and paralegals who helped out on the day-well done.  For those who were unable to make it-be there next year, or put in some pro bono time this year.  It is certainly needed. 

*N&O Article by Gene Nichol, 10/26/2013.