Attorneys providing services free for county committee

The Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee says 20 attorneys provided free legal appointments during the months of April, May and June in the Legal Advice Clinic in the Madison County Courthouse in Edwardsville.

The appointments were provided as part of the volunteer efforts that members of the Madison County Bar Association offer to the public.

“The dedicated attorneys that give their time and advice to help low-income individuals are a credit to their profession and should be recognized throughout the community,” said Circuit Judge Barb Crowder, chair of the Pro Bono Committee for the 3rd Circuit. “The judges also appreciate the support given by these lawyers to our self-represented parties. The lawyers help the parties better understand their rights and the legal process,” she added.

The attorneys who donated time for free legal appointments in the second quarter of 2017 (April, May and June) are:

Julie Tracy, Zach Pashea, Dave Fahrenkamp, Elizabeth Levy, Bradley Allen, Matthew Champlin, Kaitlyn Rausch, John Raffaelle, Raquel Eschbach, Rob Bas, Holly Hampton, Terry O’Leary, Kathy Buckley, Derek Filcoff, Ron Williams, Erin Beavers, Jared Giuffre, Jennifer Shaw, Mary Beth Williams and Amy Meyer.

In addition to these appointments, 23 attorneys accepted mediator assignments from judges in the Family Division to help low-income litigants try to settle issues around time and responsibilities with their children and 18 attorneys were appointed to assist the court on behalf of minor children whose parents were not able to reach agreements.

The Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee reminds members of the public that 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. Appointments can also be made to discuss real estate issues on the second and fourth Wednesday mornings.

To make an appointment or to volunteer, call (618) 296-4472 or e-mail Lauren Jansen at lljansen@co.madison.il.us.