HomeMy WebLinkAboutPROCLAMATION re Pro Bono JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Adiel McKnight, Deputy Clerk of the Board
DATE: October 21,2024
SUBJECT: PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming the Week of October 20, 2024 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 those lawyers provide, providing
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 750 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 annually 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:
Approve Proclamation re: Proclaiming the Week of October 20, 2024 as Pro Bono Law Week
REVIEWED BY:
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Mark McCau , County Administrator Date
PROCLAMATION
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 2023, volunteer attorneys in Washington State provided legal help to over 20,000
individuals and families. Additionally volunteer attorneys with Clallam-Jefferson County Pro Bono Lawyers
provided over 750 hours of service; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT we, the Jefferson County Commissioners, proclaim
the week of October 20"- October 26'2024, 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 2151 day of October, 2024
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SEAL:
Kate Dean, Chair
ATTEST: Heidi Eisenhour, Member
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC, Clerk of the Board Greg Brotherton, Member