FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

10.11.2022

St. Martin Parish Library Partners with La. State Bar Association to Host Lawyers in Libraries Event October 26th

St. Martin Parish Library is pleased to announce that it is participating in the Lawyers in Libraries Pro Bono Clinic program in partnership with the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA), the State Library of Louisiana, and the Louisiana Library Association.  On October 26th, attorney Christopher Castro will volunteer from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. and attorney Maggie Simar will volunteer from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. to provide free individual consultations on legal issues at the St. Martinville branch located at 201 Porter Street. The program is free and open to the public; those interested should call 337.394.2207, ext. 223 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. For more details or help finding an event in your area, contact your local library or visit www.LouisianaLawyersinLibraries.org