Assistance Nov. 14, Dec. 19 at Gilroy Library
The San Jose-based non-profit Pro Bono Project is offering Gilroy residents free legal assistance today and on Dec. 19 at the Gilroy Library through video conferences with Bay area attorneys.
“Without access to courts or legal services, low-income Californians may not have the protection afforded by a civil society,” reads the organization’s mission statement on its website. “Those who suffer the most are often the most vulnerable among us – victims of domestic violence, immigrants, children, and the homeless.”
Through the Virtual Lawyers in the Library Program, Gilroyans can register online or at the library located at 350 W. Sixth St. to chat with an attorney for free, use provided laptops, scanners and printers to exchange documents and discuss a variety of legal matters.
Founded in 1986 with 21 attorneys, the Pro Bono Project now has a team of more than 358 attorneys who volunteer their services to help Santa Clara County residents get legal advice and representation, if necessary.
“Now, Pro Bono Project is the largest provider of family law services in Santa Clara County,” according to the organization’s website. “By 2011, 358 of our volunteer attorneys provided over 13,000 hours of legal services to low-income clients. Equal justice under the law is more than just a phrase; it is a notion fundamental to our democracy.”
– Register for a virtual appointment at www.probonoproject.org/virtual-clinics or at the participating libraries
– Individuals will use laptops, printers, scanners and video conferencing software provided by the Pro Bono Project to discuss legal issues and exchange documents
– Volunteering attorneys will offer legal advice and provide further referrals to legal service agencies
