The Supreme Court thanked Kentucky attorneys who donate their time and expertise by proclaiming Oct. 21-27 as Kentucky Pro Bono Week.
“One of the hallmarks of legal professionalism is a commitment to public service” Chief Justice of Kentucky John D. Minton Jr. said. “Although Kentucky doesn’t have a pro bono requirement, Rule 6.1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct encourages all lawyers to voluntarily render public interest legal service. The lawyers who donate their time to help those who can’t afford legal counsel set an important example for our profession.”
The American Bar Association is observing the 10th anniversary of the National Celebration of Pro Bono, an annual recognition of attorneys who provide high-quality legal services at no cost to low-income individuals.
“Kentucky citizens must be able to count on equal justice under the law,” said Supreme Court Justice Michelle M. Keller, chair of the Kentucky Access to Justice Commission. “The Supreme Court appreciates the attorneys who volunteer more than 120,000 pro bono hours every year to help those of limited means with civil cases that include domestic relations, domestic violence, veterans benefits, evictions, elder abuse and more.
“In spite of that, Kentucky is facing a crisis of unmet need for legal representation for civil legal aid. The Supreme Court wants to educate the public about how important it is for Kentucky lawyers to volunteertheir services to those in need.”
Supreme Court of Kentucky
