“Everyone there was helpful and kind to my situation. I never would have accomplished [this] without them.” ~ LAC Patron
Law Day 2013
BY DEBORAH J. HUGHES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
G R A N D R A P I D S P R OV I D E S ACC E S S TO J U S T I C E
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ustice, due process, fairness, dignity, respect and acceptance are among the values held by lawyers and celebrated on Law Day 2013. These are the values we all work together to bring to life at the Legal Assistance Center. As a legal self-help center we assist those in our community who are trying to solve basic legal problems on their own. We help people help themselves. Our goal is to guide people to be better informed, better prepared, and to have an opportunity to be heard – a chance to tell their story.
You may know of someone who needs this kind of help. Anyone can walk in to the Center, Kent County Courthouse, 5th Floor, Tuesday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm or call 616-6326000. Help is free. There is a low cost for copies and some case packets. These patron contributions also help to support the LAC.
We listen to those who are lost, frustrated and feel they have nowhere to turn. We provide information about basic legal matters and offer forms that will help them to use the courts on their own. We provide connections to lawyers and community resources. We suggest mediation. The people we help don’t choose to do it on their own. They simply don’t have an option. But with a little help they can decide how to try to solve their legal challenges. They do have an opportunity to tell their story. Our staff and volunteers listen and offer information and options, not advice. Some options use the courts, others do not. Still their task is not an easy one. They come before the court alone. There are more rules and challenges than they will ever grasp. But they understand a bit more. And they hope to do a bit better for themselves and for their families. On this Law Day 2013 we thank you, members of the Grand Rapids Bar Association, for helping to provide dignity, respect, fairness and justice in our community by assuring that everyone has access. Without access, there is no justice. 8
The Grand Rapids Lawyer
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May/June 2013
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grbar.org
“Access to justice is a dream. We must make it a reality.” ~ John W. Cummiskey