Madison County Courthouse legal advice clinic remains busy

The 3rd Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee says its Legal Advice Clinic served 42 residents during the first three months of 2014.

The clinic operates in the Madison County Law Library located in the basement of the courthouse in Edwardsville on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

“We are proud of the commitment of the volunteer lawyers in helping low-income residents understand their legal rights in these free appointments,” said Circuit Judge Barb Crowder, chair of the committee.

Twenty-four attorneys donated their time to meet with members of the public during the first quarter. They are: Brad Allen, Rob Bas, Beth Bauer, Kathy Buckley, Andrew Carruthers, Jack Cranley, Jack Daugherty, Chris Donohoo, Janel Freeman, Chris Hunter, Ryan Kiwala, Chris Kovach, Bonnie Levo, Mike Meehan, Terry O’Leary, Ryan Roberts, Maureen Schuette, Joan Spiegel, Philip Theis, Julie Tracy, Joseph Whyte, Ron Williams, Audra Zobrist and Dede Zupanci.

The committee also announced that Betsy Mahoney has been named Pro Bono Coordinator. She serves as the Madison County law librarian and is instrumental in assisting with scheduling appointments and lawyers and in coordinating other pro bono activities for the committee.

Free legal appointments to low income members of the public who do not have attorneys are available by appointment on any legal subject except criminal law, including but not limited to subjects such as family law or areas such as debt collection, landlord tenant, small claims, or any other civil area of law.

The free appointments are held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. The appointments are for those of limited incomes who do not have attorneys and qualifying information will need to be provided. To make an appointment or to volunteer, call (618) 296-5921 or e-mail Betsy Mahoney at bemahoney@co.madison.il.us.