Maine Law Firms Celebrate Pro Bono Week
Lawyers have long donated their time and services to help many great causes. Today, amidst difficult economic times, access to lawyers and justice is more challenging than ever. Which is why the American Bar Association established Pro Bono Week.
The first annual Pro Bono Week was held nationwide October 25-31, 2009, both celebrating the work of lawyers who donate their goodwill, as well as recruiting others to get involved. Though a national initiative, the charitable week attempts to establish relationships in local communities with local lawyers. Across the nation, many Americans are faced with legal issues and cannot afford a lawyer. Through the help of generous lawyers, their legal issues can be resolved.
In Maine, there are many opportunities for lawyers to volunteer and give back to the communities they work in. Some have time and others make it, while at the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, access to justice is our top priority. With a statewide practice and five conveniently located offices in Biddeford, Portland, Lewiston, Augusta, and Bangor, the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein is accessible to Mainers of all walks of life. But that’s just the beginning of the firm’s goodwill.
Since its inception in 2005, Attorney Naomi Honeth has been involved with the Volunteer Lawyer Domestic Violence Program representing women (usually) in Protection From Abuse (PFA) cases. The clients are seeking permanent PFA orders to prevent their ex-spouses or partners from having contact with them. The Volunteer Lawyer Domestic Violence Program began as a partnership of Family Crisis Services, the Violence Intervention Project, and Pine Tree Legal Assistance. Currently, there are volunteer lawyer programs in the district courts in Portland, West Bath, and Springvale. In Portland alone, 34 lawyers represent on average 90 clients annually.
Approximately once a month, Attorney Honeth appears in Portland District Court to volunteer under the program. Briefed by a Family Crisis worker and given a file with little time to prepare, Attorney Honeth quickly meets with the client. They discuss what abuse or threat occurred to prompt the client to seek a PFA. The conversations are often emotional, as the client frequently is fearful of confronting her former partner or spouse and nervous about being in court.
After consulting with her client, Attorney Honeth meets with the defendant, asking if he is willing to enter a PFA order without a finding of abuse. This means he agrees to stay away from the plaintiff without a court order saying he abused her. If he agrees, the two parties sign an order which is entered by the Court. If he refuses, there is a hearing. If the judge finds the defendant was abusive or threatening, an order will be issued. If the defendant violates the order, he can be arrested.
The Volunteer Lawyer Domestic Program is just one way Maine lawyers are giving back to their beloved home state.
For a list of charities, communities, and organizations the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein supports please visit: http://www.mainepersonalinjurylaw.com/2009/07/articles/in-our-community/caring-through-charity/.
The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein - Maine Lawyers Working For Maine People
