Pro Bono:  A Golden Opportunity
Here is a great opportunity to do pro bono work that is truly satisfying.  The Needs of the Elderly Committee of the Utah State Bar sponsors several Senior Clinics each month at various Salt Lake County Senior Centers. We need your help.

The program works like this. Volunteer attorneys agree to spend two hours, usually from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, visiting with seniors in a private setting regarding a variety of potential legal issues.  The volunteer screens the case to determine whether the person needs a lawyer and, if so, the nature of the expertise required.  Some problems can be resolved on the spot.  Others require only a phone call or similar limited involvement. A few require referral to a specialist. 

Inasmuch as the volunteer attorney is there on behalf of the Utah Bar Association, s/he is prohibited from handling cases in any capacity other than on a pro bono basis. If the case is complex (and some are), or if the person is in a position to be referred to competent counsel. We have put together a packet of materials to guide you to available resources

This is a great opportunity to meet people, to provide a useful service, and to be involved in the community.  These Senior Centers are truly grateful for this service and the Needs of the Elderly Committee has received a number of compliments for the fine work performed by many lawyers throughout the Bar.  The dozens of lawyers who have participated have also expressed satisfaction with the whole process. It is 2 hours of pro bono service that you can really feel good about.

If you are interested in doing a Senior Clinic, contact Ms. Vicki Firestack at Christensen & Jensen, P.C., (801) 355-3431 ext. 338 or vicki.firestack@chrisjen.com. She is the liaison between the Needs of the Elderly Committee and the Area Agency on Aging who coordinates the clinics at the senior centers. (Be gentle with her; she works for Phil Ferguson.) If you would like to help us set up a senior clinic in an area closer to where you live and work, outside of Salt Lake County, call Mr. Ferguson at (801) 355-3431 ext. 306 or e-mail at phillip.ferguson@chrisjen.com.