The 20th Judicial Circuit's Pro Bono Committee's mission is to promote and facilitate the recruitment of attorneys to provide free legal services to qualified indigent clients in civil matters, ensure the delivery of high quality legal services, and provide transparency for legal aid operations.

The term "pro bono legal services" is not limited to providing representation in judicial proceedings. It also includes, but is not limited to, community legal education to eligible clients; participation in pro se clinics; mentoring or assisting other attorneys in pro bono matters; and presentation of legal seminars designed to train other attorneys to handle pro bono cases.

No matter what type of law you practice, your skills can and will enable you to advocate for a client in need. You don't have to be a family law, immigration, or dependency lawyer to tackle a pro bono case. Any attorney who can commit to a free training session can transform themselves into a hero for a fellow citizen in need of legal services.

Attorney Training Opportunities

Have you taken on a case outside of your typical areas of practice and need help getting up to speed, finding the proper forms, and administrative orders? See the links below to information that may assist you.

Crossroads for Florida Kids: Live as well as online training videos (eligible for CLE credit) and assigned mentors prepare you to be the voice of vulnerable children in dependency cases and delinquency proceedings. View training videos.

Guardian ad Litem: This program provides 30 hours of free training plus support staff to help you look out for the best interests of a child in need. View training videos.

Pro bono legal service opportunities are available at Florida Rural Legal Services.

If you are interested, please contact Ms. Ethel Wells at FRLS. You can reach Ms. Wells at: (239) 233-9220; ethel.wells@frls.org

Litigant Resources

• 20th Judicial Circuit Legal Assistance Registry
• Judge Lynn Gerald Law Library
• Emeritus Status for Pro Bono Lawyers
• Forms related to child support, small claims, county court, expungement and sealing, family law, mental health, probate, etc. visit your county Clerk of Court for more information.
  • Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court
  • Collier CountyClerk of the Circuit Court
  • Glades County Clerk of the Circuit Court
  • Hendry CountyClerk of the Circuit Court
  • Lee County Clerk of the Circuit Court
• Florida Courts - Family law forms.
• Florida Courts - Resources regarding guardianship and guardian advocacy.
• Florida Legal Services, Inc. - Listserve and information regarding consumer law. The membership site is limited to certain types of practitioners, but it does offer registration as a "pro bono" member.
• FloridaProBono.Org - Website containing a library and legal education information for attorneys handling pro bono cases.
• Florida Rural Legal Services - Training video for working with pro bono clients.
• The Power of Pro Bono - An article about the importance of pro bono work.

DOWNLOADS

• Administrative Order 2.37
• Twentieth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Plan
• View Letter of One Promise Campaign Launch
• Legal Assistance Registry
• Pro-Bono Committee
• Pro-Bono Option Two Application
• July 2020 Meeting Minutes

RELATED LINKS

• Florida Courts
• Florida Bar
• Florida Bar Network of Civil Legal Aid providers
• Florida Pro Bono
• Emeritus Status for Pro Bono Lawyers

VIDEO MESSAGES

• Appeal Directed to all Lawyers
• Appeal Directed to Law Students and Young Lawyers
• Appeal Directed to Older and Retired Lawyers

CONTACT INFORMATION

Michelle Trunkett
Phone: (239) 334-4554
Email: michelle.trunkett@frls.org