HomeMy WebLinkAboutPROCLAMATION Pro Bono Week JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Adiel McKnight,Executive Assistant
DATE: October 23,2023
SUBJECT: PROCLAMATION re: Recognizing the Week of October
23,2023 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 many 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 700 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. Many state
residents face urgent civil legal issues but few 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.
REVIE ED BY:
Mark McCaul , County Administrator Date
PROCLAMATION
PRO BONO LAW WEEK
WHEREAS, our justice system was 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, many 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 few 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 2022, volunteer attorneys in Washington State provided legal help to over
20,000 individuals and families, volunteer attorneys with Clallam-Jefferson County Pro Bono Lawyers
providing over 700 hours of service;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT we, the Jefferson County Commissioners,
proclaim the week of October 23, 2023, 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 23rd day of October, 2023
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SEAL:
Greg Brotherton, Chair
ATTEST: Heidi Eisenhour, Member
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC, Clerk of the Board Kate Dean, Member