THE VOLUNTARY BAR ASSOCIATIONPRO BONO SERVICE AWARD
Presented by the Chief Justice
The purpose of the Voluntary Bar Association Pro Bono Service Award is to recognize, when appropriate, a voluntary bar which has demonstrated a significant contribution in the delivery of legal services to individuals or groups on a pro bono basis.
Seminole County Bar Association
The Seminole County Bar Association was established on May 5, 1952. With 160 active members, it is one of the smallest voluntary bar associations in Central Florida, yet one of the most active. In keeping with its mission of providing quality legal service to all citizens, the Seminole County Bar Association strives to make a positive impact in the community. At the same time, it offers members experience, knowledge, and support in the legal profession and their practice areas.
SCBA is most proud of its efforts to render pro bono assistance to those who are less fortunate. In 1975, the group created the Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society. The organization provides free legal services to eligible Seminole County residents in family, housing, guardianship, consumer, employment and most recently foreclosure defense cases. While some SCBA members opt to financially donate, many members volunteer their time and services. Over the last 10 years, bar association members have helped approximately 125 indigent persons annually.
In 2008, the family law bar members of SCBA established a weekly family law advice clinic at the legal aid office at no cost. Low-income citizens are provided with advice and/or brief services at no cost. The individuals learn how to enforce child support or draft parenting plans or receive instructions concerning the correct manner to complete pro se pleadings by using the family law forms adopted by the Florida Supreme Court. Since its inception in 2008, 550 people have been served.
In early 2009, the civil trial attorney bar members decided to offer free legal assistance to low-income residents facing loss of their homes in foreclosure procedures. Eight attorneys agreed to hold weekly or biweekly consultations. These efforts have led to more than 170 foreclosure consultations.
“It is a blessing to have met with the attorney,” said one grateful homeowner. “I was going to lose everything I worked for my entire life.”
Among its many other endeavors, SCBA members provide legal assistance to domestic violence victims by representing low- income women in obtaining injunctions for protection. To date, 411 women and children have been assisted. Besides direct case involvement, SCBA holds an annual fundraiser in which members plan a silent auction. All proceeds benefit the Legal Aid Society.
The bar association’s Young Lawyers Division hosts an academic awards ceremony for underprivileged Seminole County students. The program is held at the West Sanford Boys and Girls Club at the close of each semester and recognizes elementary, middle, and high school honor roll students.
Another event brings together teenagers and the court. Twenty-five students from each local high school travel to the school board to observe oral arguments presented to the judges of the Fifth District Court of Appeal. Afterwards, the students are invited to join the judges for lunch. College seniors and law students take part in the Annual Law Day activities sponsored by SCBA.
To see the Seminole County Bar Association’s newly designed Web site, log on to www.seminolecountybar.org.