Court Panel Provides Free Legal Help To 3,500
EDWARDSVILLE – More than 3,500 people have received free legal services through the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee in 2021.
The committee is made up judges, court staff, legal aid providers and lawyers from a variety of different practice areas who meet quarterly to organize opportunities for continuing education and free or reduced cost legal assistance to the public. The committee is co-chaired by Circuit Judge Sarah Smith and Associate Judge Maureen Schuette.
“I am so proud of the large number of attorneys in the Third Judicial Circuit who are willing to provide a key benefit to the community that might otherwise not be available,” Smith said. “These attorneys willingly give of their time to provide legal and other skills that are in short supply and in great need during these challenging times.”
Through the committee’s partnership with the local bar association and the Public Interest Law Initiative, the committee hosts a Legal Advice Clinic offering appointments to low-income members of the public who do not have attorneys. The committee is proud to have been able to continue to offer these appointments and volunteer opportunities via Zoom over the last year.
“We truly appreciate each and every attorney and staff member who graciously donates their time and talent to our Legal Advice Clinic, to our Continuing Legal Education Seminars, and to our pro bono services,” Schuette said. “You are an amazing asset to the Third Judicial Circuit and we are very thankful for you.”
In addition, the Madison County Law Library and Legal Self-Help Center provides general information and resources to the public Monday through Friday, serving just over 3,500 people in the third quarter of 2021. The library and self-help center are in the Madison County Courthouse bsement.
“I’m proud of the number of litigants we are able to serve each year through the Pro Bono Committee and the work of dedicated attorneys and staff,” said Chief Judge William Mudge.
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