Thirty Madison County residents were helped during the first three months of 2019 thanks to volunteer lawyers who worked pro bono.
Bridget Buckley, Christine Kovach, Elizabeth Levy, Erin Beavers, Gale Stipes, Jared Giuffre, Julie Tracy, Kelly Libra, Kelly Stephan, M. Joseph Hill, Matt Champlin, Rob Bas, Scott Snider, Stephanie Lyons, Susan Jensen, and Terrence O’Leary volunteered their time and expertise to help the low-income residents through the Legal Advice Clinic.
“The attorneys who volunteer their time with the Legal Advice Clinic provide a service to the public worth recognizing.” said Chief Judge David Hylla. “The court system can be confusing for people who represent themselves. Volunteer attorneys in the clinic help provide a better understanding of the law and how the court operates.”
The Self-Help Center in the courthouse also provides information and assistance for those in the public who choose to represent themselves. On average, the center helps between 900 and 1,100 people every month.
In order to get help from the pro-bono lawyers, appointments must be made for the second and fourth Tuesday of every month by calling Lauren Jansen at 618-296-4472 or emailing her at lljansen@co.madison.il.us. The appointments are at the courthouse law library.
The Third Judicial Circuit Court Pro Bono Committee reminds the public that these appointments are for low-income residents only and proof of income may be required. The attorneys can only help with civil legal issues and not criminal cases.