More than 11,000 volunteers nationwide have participated in the ABA Free Legal Answers online clinic
Since Hurricane Ian hit the state, Florida Free Legal Answer has received 1,197 submitted questions representing a 33% increase over the same period in 2021
The ABA Free Legal Answers online clinic fielded more than a quarter-million questions from indigent and low-income Americans by November and recruited more than 11,000 volunteer attorneys nationwide since its 2016 debut, the group announced.
Florida Free Legal Answers remains a leading performer among all the participating jurisdictions, according to the latest statistics. Since Hurricane Ian hit Florida on September 28, Florida Free Legal Answers has received 1,197 submitted questions, many appearing to be hurricane related, representing a 33% increase over the same period in 2021. Of the questions submitted since the hurricane hit, users indicated that they were specifically hurricane related in 59 instances. Also, since then, 36 volunteer attorneys registered to answer civil legal questions on the Florida FLA site, representing a 500% increase over the same period in 2021.
Since the nationwide rollout, the program is being offered in 41 jurisdictions, including a 2021 federal portal that addresses veterans benefits and immigration questions. In all, nearly 11,500 volunteer attorneys are participating.
The program is a “no-cost way for eligible participants to obtain basic civil legal guidance, as pro bono lawyers have fielded more than 50,000 inquiries annually since 2018,” according to an ABA statement. Free Legal Answers, through November 30, recorded 253,280 inquiries.
“For more than six years, ABA Free Legal Answers has provided a critical resource for civil legal matters for those who cannot afford an attorney and have nowhere else to turn,” ABA President Deborah Enix-Ross said. “We have now topped the quarter-million mark in questions and have more than 11,000 volunteer lawyers nationwide generously providing services. We are so grateful for those attorneys who have participated.”
But, she noted, “the need is still great. We urge other attorneys to step up and assist as well.”
