Directories   |   Email Signup   |   Online Court Records   |   Pay Fines   |   Interpreter Roster   |   Attorney Discipline   |   Site Map   |     Site Search    |  
   Sunday, March 21, 2010         
Home / Main Menu
Supreme Court
Court of Appeals
District Courts
News Service
Judicial Branch Media Contacts
News Releases
Expanded Media Coverage
Resources for Reporters
Online Court Services
Public Information
Jury Service
Representing Yourself
Court Rules and Forms
Professional Regulation
Administration
Reports
RFPs
Advisory Committees

2009 Winner Justice Served
   
Printable View

 

 

News Release

October 19, 2009

 

Contact: Steve Davis, Court Communications Officer, (515)725-8058

 

Iowa Supreme Court Promotes Pro Bono Legal Services

 

Des Moines, October 19,  2009—The Iowa Supreme Court issued a resolution today urging all lawyers to devote at least 50 hours of pro bono legal services each year. Lawyers who provide pro bono legal service donate their time and expertise to assist individuals who cannot afford legal counsel. The court also encourages judges to encourage pro bono service by lawyers. The court's resolution coincides with and recognizes the American Bar Association's first National Pro Bono Week Celebration October 25-31.

 

The resolution notes that "Many Iowans of limited means are unable to afford legal services to address their civil legal problems. Legal service organizations and volunteer lawyers do much to help address these needs for civil legal services."

 

"Despite the valiant efforts of Iowa's legal service organizations and thousands of volunteer lawyers, there is a substantial gap between the civil legal needs of those who cannot afford legal services and the resources available to meet those needs," said Chief Justice Marsha Ternus.  "Iowa Legal Aid Services estimates that more than 17,000 people who went to ILS for help were turned away or underserved. Many of those people needed legal assistance to help them secure or maintain basic needs such as housing, health care and safety.

 

"The Iowa Supreme Court recognizes and applauds the many Iowa lawyers who provide pro bono service," continued Chief Justice Ternus. "The Court strongly encourages each Iowa lawyer to volunteer. Judges should also encourage pro bono services by lawyers because judges have an interest and responsibility to ensure public access to justice."

 

National Pro Bono Week is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of pro bono lawyers and to recruit additional volunteers to help meet the legal needs of Iowa's most vulnerable citizens.

 

 

  

# # #

2009

 

Iowa Supreme Court

1111 East Court Avenue

Des Moines, IA 50319

515-281-3952

 

 

 

   Return to Top

  Supreme Court   Court of Appeals   District Courts   News Service   Online Court Services   Public Information   Jury Service   Representing Yourself   Court Rules and Forms   Professional Regulation   Administration   Reports   RFPs   Advisory Committees
    Career Opportunities   -    State of Iowa   -    Privacy Policy   -    Site Tools and Accessibility   -    Contact Us
   Copyright © 2010 Iowa Judicial Branch