On April 13, 2018 Ronald Bugaj, President of the Wayne County Bar Association (WCBA) announced to members that the decision to award the first two low bono contracts was made.

Last year, as the Association was developing its new pro bono plan, it identified contested custody and abuse cases as the #1 unmet need for legal services by the poor in our county. The Association didn’t have all that many of its lawyers willing to take these cases on pro bono, so the Association decided to try “low bono”.  WCBA formed a not-for-profit subsidiary (Pro Bono Partnerships) that can fund raise and accept charitable contributions, applied to Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA)* for a $20,000 grant, and last month, voted to transfer the first $10,000 from its funds to it. Attorney John Martin has agreed to lead the effort to raise funds from the community to support it, and WCBA should hear from IOLTA about its grant by the end of next month. For details on the new Pro-Bono Program available to the public visit www.waynecountypalawyers.com.

*Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA) is a unique and innovative way to increase access to justice for individuals and families living in poverty and to improve our justice system without taxing the public, and at no cost to lawyers or their clients.

I am very pleased to report that earlier this week, we decided to award the first two low bono contracts: to Attorneys Lindsey Collins and Mike Parley.  Both candidates impressed the Board with how thoughtful they were in assessing the situation and with their commitment to the cause. We are now in the process of finalizing the contracts with them and setting up the referral process from North Penn Legal Services, Victims Intervention Program, and our Custody Masters, and should be ready to start accepting referrals by the end of this month.

Our program has been called one of the most exciting new pro bono programs in Pennsylvania in recent years. Please join me in thanking Lindsey and Mike and do what you can to help them succeed with this important part of our service to the public. And, if you are so inclined, make a financial contribution to Pro Bono Partnerships to help support this work (checks can be sent to our Treasurer, Brendan Ellis).
—Ronald M. Bugaj, President