First "Ask the Lawyer" a success

By Roberta M. Gubbins Legal News Gone Wired Café in Lansing was the scene of a lot of legal talk as Ingham County lawyers assisted 64 folks with legal problems. "Ask the Lawyer," a community service project sponsored by the Ingham County Bar Association (ICBA) and Legal Services of South Central Michigan in honor of Law Day, was held on Monday, May 10th from 3:30 to 7:30. Twenty-five lawyers volunteered their time to meet one-on-one with the public offering basic information and guidance for a variety legal questions and problems. Lawyers answered questions about criminal law, family law, landlord/tenant, foreclosure, estate planning, employment issues, workers compensation, bankruptcy, consumer law, and debt restructuring. Those whose problem could not be solved by the law were referred to social service agencies for assistance. People came in a steady stream from the time the doors opened at 3:30 p.m until closing at 7:30 p.m. Kris Kemp, ICBA Executive Director, signed them in, then directed them to an MSU Law student for an initial interview. The students identified the nature of their legal problem before they met with a lawyer. The event was advertised on channels 6 and 10 television with Mike Nichols in a starring role. Michigan State University Law Students placed flyers around the community. One woman, there with an estate question, said she saw the notice on the public service TV. "I'm so glad they're here," she commented. "I don't know what I am suppose to do with my father's will and we can't afford a lawyer." The lawyers were pleased to be there also. "I believe it was worthwhile---certainly when we help five dozen plus people for free in one day---it can't be bad," commented one. "We should do this more often," said Andrew Abood. "We plan to do it again, but no definite date has been set. Perhaps once in the fall, time permitting, and again during May 2011 in celebration of Law Day," said Kris Kemp, ICBA Executive Director. ICBA members who helped plan the event were Dave, Lick, Lori Pourson, Kara Jennings, Kellie Maki and Kris Kemp. Mike Shoudy was chairperson of the committee. Published: Thu, May 27, 2010

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