The Seminole County Bar Association is named the recipient of the 2010 Voluntary Bar Pro Bono Service Award.

• Author: Johnson, Maria S.
• Position: Florida

At the 2010 Pro Bono Service Awards Ceremony, the Seminole County Bar Association received the Voluntary Bar Pro Bono Service Award. The award, which recognizes a Florida voluntary bar that has demonstrated a significant contribution in the delivery of legal services to individuals or groups on a pro bono basis, was presented on January 28 at the Florida Supreme Court by Chief Justice Peggy A. Quince.

The Seminole County Bar Association was established in 1952. Known for being the smallest nonstaffed bar in Central Florida, the SCBA has approximately 160 active bar members. Despite its size, the association provides quality legal service, significant contributions to enhance its community, and pro bono assistance. At the same time, the voluntary bar offers its members experience, knowledge, and support in the legal profession and practice areas.

The SCBA is most proud of its efforts to render pro bono assistance to those who are less fortunate. In 1975, the bar association created the Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society. The organization provides free legal services to eligible Seminole County residents in family, housing, guardianship, consumer, employment, and, most recently, foreclosure defense cases. The society's success is due, in large part, to the effort of the SCBA membership. While some members opt to financially donate, many members volunteer time and services. Over the last 10 years, the bar members have consistently assisted approximately 125 indigent persons annually. Recently, recognizing the harsh economic times facing the community, the bar members have voluntarily chosen to provide additional pro bono legal service to help the less fortunate in their community.

In 2008, the members of the Family Law Section of the SCBA established a weekly family law advice clinic in the legal aid office. During the clinic, low income citizens are provided with advice and/or brief services at no cost. The individuals learn how to enforce child support or draft a parenting plan or receive instructions regarding the correct manner to complete pro se pleadings by using the family law forms adopted by the Florida Supreme Court. Since the commencement of the program in Spring 2008, 550 citizens have been served.

In early 2009, the civil trial attorney bar members agreed to provide free legal assistance to low income persons facing loss of their homes in foreclosure procedures. Eight attorneys agreed to hold weekly or biweekly...