Legal Aid: Now you can apply online
Why won't sharks attack lawyers? Professional courtesy.
Everybody loves to deride attorneys (a.k.a. shysters, sharks, bulldogs, ambulance chasers). That is, until they need one. When that happens, some are shocked by a price tag which reflects the urgency and import of life's big problems. The heightened learning and experience tend to match the high stakes. That expertise costs - both to get and to keep. So the price of legal representation is steep for most of us.
For some it's truly unaffordable. In certain criminal cases with potential for imprisonment of low-income defendants, the Constitution provides a free (pro bono) "public defender." But other "civil" cases also dramatically impact lives; that's where grant-funded Legal Aid fills a gap.
Even with professional help, the judicial system can be confusing and intimidating. Typically the situation feels urgent to the client, and work makes weekday appointments difficult. So on Aug. 1, Idaho Legal Aid launched an interactive, online application and intake system.
A nonprofit, statewide law firm dedicated to providing equal access to justice, Idaho Legal Aid connects free or reduced rate legal services with those who meet certain income requirements. Applicants must provide personal identification, income, family, and asset information to determine eligibility. Once qualified, Legal Aid represents clients with the following types of legal needs:
* Domestic violence and protection orders
* Divorce and custody in cases involving domestic violence or eligible seniors
* Landlord-tenant disputes; eviction
* Foreclosures
* Public benefits (e.g. food stamps or health benefits)
* Senior citizens (60 and older) who need help with guardianships, Medicare, powers of attorney, probate, and paying for long-term care.
Legal Aid also hosts three advice hotlines for help with the above matters, as well as powers of attorney and certain debts or contract disputes. These include the Senior Legal Hotline (866) 345-0106 Monday and Thursday mornings; Domestic Violence Legal Advice Line (877) 500-2980 Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and a Housing Legal Advice Line (866) 345-0106 Monday and Thursday mornings. If callers don't talk to a lawyer right away, they may be referred to one. High demand might mean a waiting period for non-emergent services.
Legal Aid clients get some combination of advice, representation, detailed information by mail, legal research services, and referrals to volunteer attorneys and other agencies. Representation depends on the details of each case; not all matters qualify.
However, even without income qualification, the public does have access to free, pro-se (self-representation) legal forms which are commonly useful in case involving family law, name changes, identity theft, collections, small claims, guardianship, and landlord/tenant law at LegalAid.org.
Legal Aid has a small staff and is separate from the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program of the State Bar, a network of volunteer attorneys who also serve low-income (125 percent of the federal poverty level) clients in civil cases. Bankruptcy information is also available through IVLP. Click "Idaho Volunteer Lawyers" at http://isb.idaho.gov/ilf/ or call (800) 221-3295.
Idaho Legal Aid has seven offices statewide. The Coeur d'Alene office recently moved to 610 Hubbard St., Suite 219. The other offices are in Boise, Caldwell, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Pocatello and Twin Falls. For information or assistance in Kootenai County, call (208) 667-9559 and see the FAQs at LegalAid.org.
"Pro bono" or "pro bono publico" is Latin "for the (public) good." Most lawyers do pro bono work, but quietly. Even sharks serve a purpose.
Sholeh Patrick, J.D. is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at sholeh@cdapress.com.