Miami Beach Bar to Open “North Beach Pro Bono Legal Program”

Miami Beach February 2, 2008 - The Miami Beach Bar Association is pleased to announce that beginning February 6, 2008, it will commence its “North Beach Pro Bono Legal Program” hosted by UNIDAD located at the Coral Rock House, 1701 Normandy Drive, Miami Beach.  This program is in partnership with the “Put Something Back Pro Bono Project” and is made possible through a grant from the Florida Bar Foundation.

      All media is invited to a short opening reception to be held between 12:30 – 1:00 pm on Feb. 6^th to commemorate the opening of the “North Beach Law Clinic”.  City of Miami Beach officials are also invited.

     The Clinic will be open from 9a to 4p, the first Wednesday of each month, to assist low income residents who cannot afford legal representation or obtain legal advice in civil court matters such as: family law cases; children's matters requiring the appointment of Guardians Ad Litem in juvenile, probate and civil court; consumer and housing concerns; domestic violence matters for persons seeking permanent injunctions for protection; AIDS and other health crisis issues; social security and veterans benefits; employment matters; and the preparation and processing of Living Wills.  

       An intake counselor will be available from 9 to 12:30 AM to determine income eligibility and possible referral in accordance with qualifications guidelines.   

      Miami Beach Bar Association attorneys will also be available for 15 to 20 minutes consultations between 1 PM and 4 PM to respond to legal questions, and assist the low income and elderly/disabled in the preparation of living wills and designation of health care surrogates.  

      Interested residents should contact the Dade County Pro Bono Project at (305) 579-5733 ext. 2252 for further information.  Attorneys interested in volunteering their time should contact Kathryn Estevez, Esq. at 305.342.6993.  For further information about the opening event on February 6, 2008 please contact Immediate Past President Michael C. Gongora at 305.260.1014.

     The Clinics and Intake Services will take place on the following dates:

Weds. Feb. 6, 2008

Weds, March 5, 2008

Weds, April 2, 2008

Weds, May   7, 2008

Weds, June 4, 2008

Weds, July 2, 2008

Weds, August 6, 2008

Weds, September 3, 2008

Weds, October 1, 2008

Weds, November  5, 2008

Weds, December 3, 2008