HomeMy WebLinkAbout102218_cbs01 CA
Commissioners Office
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Philip Morley, County Administrator
FROM: Kathleen Kler, District 3 Commissioner
DATE: October 22,2018
SUBJECT: Proclamation : Pro Bono Law Week October 21-October 27
STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The proposed proclamation recognizes the important pro bono work that
lawyers provide, enabling individuals access to legal representation regardless of their means, ensuring that
our justice system continues to uphold the fundamental principles of equity and fairness for all.
ANALYSIS: Pro Bono Law Week highlights the over 345,525 hours of volunteer legal help given to
individual and families throughout the state of Washington, with Jefferson and Clallam County Pro Bono
Lawyers contributing over 800 hours annually, protecting civil liberties and representing low income
residents with issues related to health care, consumer and financial services, domestic violence, child
custody, foreclosure and eviction. Three in four state residents face urgent civil legal issues but less than 25
percent receive legal assistance that can improve economic security and personal safety. Today's
proclamation presents a public opportunity to honor and thank the attorneys who volunteer their time and
expertise to provide legal services to those in need.
FISCAL IMPACT: Today's proclamation has no direct fiscal cost; however, the legal services provided
pro bono have inestimable worth both to the judicial system and the citizens that are guaranteed access to the
courts through the volunteer hours donated by attorneys.
RECOMMENDATION: That BoCC approve the attached proclamation.
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PROCLAMATION
Recognizing the week of October 21—October 27,2018 as Pro Bono Law Week
WHEREAS, our justice system is founded on the fundamental principles of equity and fairness for all,
and pro bono services grant individuals access to legal representation regardless of their means; and
WHEREAS, nearly three in four Washington residents face urgent civil legal issues each year, including
issues related to health care, consumer and financial services, domestic violence, divorce, child custody,
foreclosure, eviction, and abuse;but less than 25 percent receive legal assistance;and
WHEREAS, access to legal assistance can improve economic security and personal safety, protect civil
liberties, and lead to a more just society;and
WHEREAS, legal services agencies,pro bono service programs, law-schools, the American Bar
Association, the Washington State Bar Association, the Jefferson County Bar Association, and private firms
throughout the state have enlisted the services of volunteer attorneys to address the legal needs of low-income
people; and
WHEREAS, all attorneys licensed in Washington State are encouraged to provide at least 30 hours of
free legal services annually to those unable to obtain legal counsel;and
WHEREAS, in 2017, attorneys in Washington State provided over 345,525 hours in volunteer legal help
to individuals and families, in Jefferson and Clallam County volunteer attorneys provided over 800 hours of
service through Clallam-Jefferson County Pro Bono Lawyers;and
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Jefferson County Commissioners, proclaim the week of October 21-27,
2018, as
PRO BONO LAW WEEK
in Jefferson County to honor and thank the attorneys who volunteer their time and expertise to provide legal
services to those in need.
PROCLAIMED this day of October 2018
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SEAL:
David Sullivan, Chairman
ATTEST: Kathleen Kler, Member
Carolyn Gallaway Kate Dean, Member
Deputy Clerk of the Board