HomeMy WebLinkAbout102119_cbs02 JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Philip Morley, County Administrator
FROM: Kate Dean, District No. 1 Commissioner
DATE: October 21, 2019
SUBJECT: PROCLAMATION re: Recognizing the Week of October 20- 26, 2019 as Pro
Bono Law Week to Honor and Thank Attorneys who Volunteer Time and
Expertise to Provide Legal Services to Those in Need
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 243,691 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 850 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
RE ED BY:
/a/149
Philip Morle my Administrator Date
PROCLAMATION
Recognizing the week of October 20—October 26,2019 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 2018, attorneys in Washington State provided over 243,691 hours in volunteer legal help
to individuals and families, in Jefferson and Clallam County volunteer attorneys provided over 850 hours of
service through Clallam-Jefferson County Pro Bono Lawyers; and
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Jefferson County Commissioners, proclaim the week of October 20-26,
2019, 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 21st day of October 2019
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SEAL:
Kate Dean, Chair
ATTEST: David Sullivan, Member
Carolyn Gallaway Greg Brotherton, Member
Deputy Clerk of the Board