10.4.2021

 St. Martin Parish Library Partners with La. State Bar Association to Host Lawyers in Libraries Event October 25th

 St. Martin Parish Library is pleased to announce that it is participating in the eighth annual “Lawyers in Libraries” statewide program in partnership with the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA), the State Library of Louisiana, and the Louisiana Library Association.  On Oct. 25th, Attorney Shentell Walker Brown will provide free individual consultations on legal issues beginning at 9 a.m. at the Breaux Bridge branch located at 205 North Main Street. The program is free and open to the public; those interested should call 337.332.2733 to reserve an individual 15-minute consultation.

The attorney-library partnership is a critical one in a state where nearly 20% of the population lives below the federal poverty line, with many more just barely making ends meet. Many of these people need legal assistance but cannot afford an attorney and are not within driving distance of a free legal aid office. This program allows participants to get answers on a wide range of topics, many of which directly affect their livelihood and quality of life, such as: Bankruptcy, Collection Matters, Custody, Divorce, Evictions, FEMA/Disaster Benefits, Food Stamps, Foreclosures, Housing, Medicaid, Social Security, SSI/SSDI, Successions, Taxes and Wills, and more.

Since its launch in 2014, attorneys have assisted over 5,000 Louisianans and reached patrons in every parish in the state. This year, the Louisiana State Bar Association will also broadcast popular webinars via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/louisiana.bar). Additionally, if a patron needs a virtual Ask-A-Lawyer session, they can register for a virtual appointment. For this service request, visit bit.ly/3ynQZ93. For more details or help finding an event in your area, contact your local library or visit www.LouisianaLawyersinLibraries.org.