Vol. 34, No. 4, 10. An Insider's View.

• Author: by Sleeter C. Dover, Esq. Executive Director, Wyoming State Bar

Wyoming Bar Journal

2011.

Vol. 34, No. 4, 10.

An Insider's View

Wyoming LawyerIssue: August, 2011An Insider's Viewby Sleeter C. Dover, Esq. Executive Director, Wyoming State BarEmeritus attorney pro bono programs provide a limited license for retired and non-practicing lawyers who otherwise may retire from the active practice of law to practice on a volunteer basis for nonprofit legal services providers serving vulnerable seniors and low- and moderate-income individuals. Historically in Wyoming, the pro bono administrative function rested with the Wyoming State Bar Foundation. Some three years ago, for various reasons, the program duties and responsibilities were shifted to the staff of the Wyoming State Bar (WSB). However, the successful recruitment and assignment of the practicing bar to pro bono cases has been most disappointing to the bar staff and the Officers and Commissioners (OandC). In somewhat of a paradox, the trend in Wyoming seems to be towards practicing attorneys, particularly solo practitioners, being too busy with cases for compensation that they just do not have the time to address pro bono cases. Regardless of the reason, whether real or imagined, the pro bono participation is waning at the very time that the need is rising. Come join us!

As is often the case, out of the crisis created with the loss of federal Legal Services Corporation (LSC) funding of the then Legal Aid of Wyoming Program, there arose a combined effort on behalf of the Wyoming Supreme Court, the Wyoming State Bar Foundation, and the Wyoming State Bar and volunteer bar members to create an Access to Justice Commission (AJC) with the stated goal of assuring that the promise of "justice for all" under law in Wyoming is realized. Re-establishment of the LSC funded legal aid program followed by the successful legislative effort by all concerned to approach the Governor of Wyoming along with the Legislature, there is now an added $10.00 filing fee to court filings which will be used for the establishment of a fund to maintain a Wyoming Legal Services Center. These efforts, along with the heightened awareness of the OandC, led to the decision to establish another member status for Wyoming State Bar members. Thus, the status of "Emeritus" has been created and approved by the Wyoming Supreme Court effective August 1, 201 L The most...