Michigan Indian Legal Services Seeking Volunteers for Pro Bono Program

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Feb. 4, 2020 - PRLog -- The Latin phrase "Pro Bono Publico" means "for the good of the public." The phrase has come to refer to something provided without charge, typically involving legal representation.

Given the growing volume of pro bono cases in the US, there has been a recent surge in lawyers taking on pro bono work to address critical needs in their communities. Pro bono is one of the fastest-growing segments of corporate social responsibility. Beyond impact, employers are advancing pro bono programs to boost recruitment, increase employee satisfaction and retention, and create marketing content.

While the ABA and many states require attorneys to offer legal services pro bono, there is still a tremendously wide gap between the number of attorneys, and those providing free legal assistance. Many reasons arise fueling attorneys' reluctance to take a pro bono case. Some say they're pressed for time, while others say they cannot avoid conflicts, and others are concerned about malpractice coverage.

Some pro bono cases require extensive demands on time. However, many pro bono opportunities will take no more than a few hours—for example, Michigan Indian Legal Services (MILS) offers;

• Mentoring opportunities,
• Presenting community legal education in rural Native communities, or
• Direct representation of clients in rural Native communities.

At MILS' newly launched volunteer webpage, Michigan attorneys can download a fillable PDF form, explore a wide array of opportunities that suit their interests, then sign up to get involved. Opportunities are available by the most frequent characteristics prospective volunteers search for, including the type of casework and time commitment (e.g., mentoring, litigation, transactional).

MILS wishes to commend the examples of the many lawyers and judges who strive to extend equal access to justice to the Native American citizens of Michigan. We want to continue our desire that each lawyer makes a personal assessment as to whether he or she can contribute more of their time and talents to this essential endeavor.

Please direct any questions to Norika Kida Betti and Hank Fields at probono@mils3.org. Then go to our website to signup and volunteer to make a difference in Indian country; https://www.mils3.org/volunteer

About Michigan Indian Legal Services
Michigan Indian Legal Services provides legal services statewide to income-eligible individuals and Tribes, advocates for the rights of individuals, which advances systems of justice, and works to preserve Indian families through state and tribal courts.

Contact
Cameron Fraser, Executive Director
cfraser@mils3.org