Lawyers in the Library Needs (Virtual Lawyers in the Library

LAWRENCE S. STRICK LAWYERS IN THE LIBRARY is a collaborative program between the Marin County Bar Association and the Marin County Law Library. The program offers free 20-minute consultations each second and fourth Thursday (except November and December) from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The program helps fill the enormous need for providing legal information to the growing low income and senior Marin population. Since its inception, Lawyers in the Library has served well over a thousand people, and the demand for its services is constantly increasing. The program urgently needs to expand its volunteer lawyer base—Lawyers in the Library Needs You! As a Lawyers in the Library volunteer, I have experienced the wonderful feeling of providing help to those who are struggling to navigate an issue. The problems the participants present often can be addressed by listening and pointing out a resource that they did not know existed. Those seeking legal help simply need to be heard and guided by a professional. People are genuinely thankful for your attention and your time, of which only a little is required. I encourage you to volunteer and experience Lawyers in the Library, which you can easily do using the link at the end of this article. It

is a great program and will make you feel good about being a lawyer. Below are some of the most common questions I am asked about volunteering. If you have additional questions, please reach out to Lawyers in the Library at (415) 472-3733, or feel free to call me directly at (415) 721-1200.

HOW MUCH TIME MUST I COMMIT?

Each virtual session is two hours on a Thursday evening. You can log onto Zoom at 4:15 p.m., get your assignments, help a few people, and enjoy dinner on time.

WHAT IF THE QUESTIONS ARE OUTSIDE MY AREA OF EXPERTISE?

Don’t worry about that! Lawyers in the Library asks for volunteers in the following

areas of law: Family, Landlord Tenant, General Civil, Employment, Estate Planning/ Probate and Personal Injury. The library staff will assign you matters with your specific area of expertise in mind. Moreover, you will be provided with a list of resources for followup assistance. You can only do so much in one 20-minute session.

DO I HAVE A FOLLOW UP COMMITMENT?

No. As a volunteer attorney, you give guidance and information only. Participants sign a document acknowledging that no continuing attorney-client relationship is being created. If you want to assist a participant outside of Lawyers in the Library, both you and the participant must sign a release before that can occur. Volunteer attorneys are strongly discouraged from doing so.

HOW ABOUT LEGAL MALPRACTICE INSURANCE?

As a practical matter, the type of high-level advice being offered does not lend itself to claims—and we have never had a claim from the grateful community we assist—but Lawyers in the Library covers all volunteer attorneys under its own policy. View this article at Marinbar.org

Lawrence Strick has been a trial lawyer for 41 years, specializing in helping people obtain compensation for their injuries and for survivors of individuals killed by the wrongful acts of others. EMAIL | WEBSITE

Click Here to Volunteer for Lawyers in the Library Zoom Sessions

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TUE | JUN 14 | 12:00-1:00P LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW SECTION MEETING EEOC Charges & Litigation: Strategies and Considerations INFO & REGISTRATION >

THU | JUN 16 | 12:00-1:00P ADR & LITIGATION CO-SECTION MEETING STICKY SITUATIONS: How To Navigate Ethical Issues in Mediation INFO & REGISTRATION >

WED | JUN 29 | 5:30-9:00P LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT DINNER Honoring Gary T. Ragghianti INFO & REGISTRATION >

THU | JUL 28 | 5:30-7:30P SUMMER SECTION MIXER HOSTED BY BARRISTERS A Chance to Cross Pollinate & Have a Drink INFO & REGISTRATION >

THU | JUN 23 | 5:00-6:30P FAMILY LAW SECTION MIXER Social Mixer with Dr. Margaret Lee author of Handbook of Children in the Legal System INFO & REGISTRATION >

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Join an elite group committed to and acknowledged for the vitality of our Bar Association. Leadership Circle contributions permit MCBA to better address and expand community programs such as Teens in the Law and Marin County’s Mock Trial Program, among others. Leadership Circle contributions also provide much needed capital to underwrite our MCLE initiatives and keep current with technology advances.

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