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Bar News - October 22, 2004 Investment Reaps Success for Volunteers By: Pam Dodge Pro Bono News Three hours on the phones at a referral marathon is a valuable contribution when measured by the number of referrals made that will help waiting Pro Bono clients obtain legal services. WHAT CAN A three-hour investment in time net? Vast rewards, if you are a volunteer for a Pro Bono referral marathon. Throughout August and September, 20 civic-minded lawyers utilized their unique networking skills to help the most vulnerable members in our communities. From divorce and custody cases to consumer concerns and bankruptcies, with a variety of other legal issues in between, these volunteers linked nearly 85 individuals with experienced attorneys for pro bono representation. The tangible results for clients are easy to measure, i.e. child support orders, custody and visitation arrangements, relief from eviction, successful IEPs for special needs children, or successful negotiations with the IRS. But what is more difficult to measure are the intangible results, the peace of mind, a safe home, the tools for a child to build a successful life, the empowerment of individuals to move forward as productive members of their communities. Special acknowledgment is extended to the following attorneys who responded to Pro Bono staff requests to reduce a backlog of cases involving eligible clients: Dave Nixon of Nixon, Raiche, Manning, Casinghino & Leach, PA hosted a referral marathon targeting cases in Hillsborough North and Derry Family Court on August 5. Attorney Richard Sheehan of Sheehan Law Office referred five cases. In the North Country on September 14, the law firm of Cooper, Deans & Cargill hosted a North Country referral marathon. Attorneys Dorcas (Penny) Deans, Paul Mullen, Charles Greenhalgh and Paul Chant from Cooper, Deans & Cargill worked together with fellow Carroll County attorneys Erland McLetchie of Schroeder, McLetchie & Clough, Robert Upton of Upton & Hatfield, L.L.P, and Donald Smith of Helme, Cole & Smith (also Carroll County governor on the NHBA Board) to place 13 cases throughout Carroll and Coos counties. Christine Rockefeller of Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, PA hosted a Seacoast referral marathon on September 23. Together, Rockefeller, Peter Doyle of Shaines & McEachern, Stephen Gaige of Gaige & Mayrand, P.C. and Bill Mason of J. William L. Mason Law Office referred close to 25 cases in Strafford and Rockingham counties. And finally on September 29, 8 attorneys participated in the day-long Legal Services Referral Marathon held at the NH Bar Center. Participating were Wayne Croteau, Thomas Fredenburg and Jeffrey Goodrich of the Legal Advice & Referral Center; Cheryl Driscoll, Velma McClure and Kenneth Barnes of New Hampshire Legal Assistance, and Wendy Paget and Elizabeth Lorsbach of the Disabilities Rights Center. An amazing 40+ cases were referred to reduce the backlog and make room for the many people desperately waiting for the opportunity to receive free legal assistance. The Pro Bono staff salutes all of our volunteers throughout the state for their service to clients and recognizes that the spirit of volunteerism goes well beyond our program. The outpouring of generosity and goodwill is a testament to the community spirit held by many in the legal field. See page 25 for the monthly Pro Bono Honor Roll. Pamela Dodge is assistant Pro Bono coordinator and also coordinator of the Domestic Violence Emergency (DOVE) Project.
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