Advocating with Passion and Purpose
NOVEMBER 2021
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Indy Legal Aid Paralegal Recognized by Indiana Lawyer Leadership in Law
It’s a great day at Indy Legal Aid as our tenacious and resourceful paralegal, Sarah Harvey, was recognized as a Legal Support Star by Indiana Lawyer Leadership in Law on November 9, 2021, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom honoring members of the legal profession that included distinguished barristers and up and coming lawyers.
Sarah just celebrated her five-year anniversary at Indy Legal Aid. Her legal career began as a court reporter for the Marion County Superior Courts, Juvenile Division. What drew Sarah to work with a nonprofit legal services organization was after a friend referred her to Indy Legal Aid. “I really did not know what to expect when I started, but after seeing the difference we made in one or two clients’ lives – I was hooked! I could not imagine working outside of nonprofit legal assistance,” commented Sarah.
Sarah not only assists thousands of clients each year, along with training newly hired legal support staff, student interns, and volunteers, she is the first to volunteer to attend workshops and community events where she can share with others the work that is done at Indy Legal Aid.
“She truly is indispensable. Sarah is an outstanding role model for the paralegal profession,” commented Jonathan Stewart, Indy Legal Aid senior attorney, “Her dedication to her job, her passion for access to justice, her incredible work ethic, and her kindness to staff and clients make her irreplaceable in our office.”
In 2017 Sarah became aware that a friend's 16-year-old sister, Nancy (not her real name) needed a guardian. Nancy’s parents had returned to their native country and Nancy was living with her brother who worked many hours in his construction job and did not have family support. Nancy did not enjoy school and it looked like she would not be able to graduate. Sarah immediately stepped in to help and petitioned the Court for Guardianship. As soon as Sarah was granted Guardianship, she worked with Nancy on developing an educational plan that would get Nancy excited about going to school and help her get on track to graduate. With Sarah’s guidance, Nancy changed schools. Sarah then worked with Nancy’s academic counselors to plan a curriculum that would enable Nancy to graduate on time. Nancy did graduate in 2019 and is now an administrator for a construction company. Sarah’s Guardianship of Nancy made a pivotal difference in Nancy’s life. In Nancy’s words, “Selfless, kind, responsible, compassionate, and courageous are just a few examples that makeup Sarah. I now thank God I had such a wonderful person in my life during what felt to be the toughest time and to teach me and lead me to become the woman I am today. I deeply wholeheartedly thank Sarah for allowing me to change my future and for always pushing me to my full potential”. At the time Sarah stepped up to assume personal responsibility for the care and success of this 16-year-old child, Sarah was herself only 23 years old. Sarah not only works in a job that allows her to follow her passion of helping the underserved and advocating for access to justice, but she also lives these values every day.
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“Every day, Sarah’s smile, energy, and positive attitude make an impact in our office. We know as attorneys that Sarah makes our jobs easier,” said Indy Legal Aid attorney, Laurie Goggins. “However, the reason we as an office unanimously wanted to nominate her for this award is that Sarah inspires not only us to be better lawyers but to be better people.”
Congratulations Sarah!
Photos: Sarah with her mother, Shelly Harvey; Sarah with Indy Legal Aid staff members Richeleine Fraide, Reema Mahmood, and Jonathan Stewart.
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Impressive Lineup of Speakers and Topics at December 2nd CLE
Since sending the CLE eblast two weeks ago, we have added more speakers and topics to the lineup. To date, there are 22 speaker – 10 of which are judges. Here’s the list, but a few more to come before December 2.
The “Shadow Docket” in Indiana Hon. Frank Sullivan, Jr.
Summary Judgment Shenanigans Hon. Jane Magnus-Stinson
Media Today: Distrust, Polarization & Anger Jeffrey Smulyan
Civility in Ethics James Bell
How to Make the Best of a Bad Situation Adrienne Meiring
Litigating a Red Flag Case Guy Relford
Motions Practice in the Court of Appeals Hon. Cale Bradford
Navigating Federal Civil Practice Challenges John Maley
Dealing with Different Judges Hon. Michael Brennan
Words Matter – Statutory Construction Hon. Martha Blood Wentworth
ROI of Pro Bono Services Jimmie McMillian
Reversible Error Hon. Edward Najam, Jr.
Trial Strategies from the Plaintiff’s Perspective Lee Christie & Anthony Patterson
What Not To Do, Say, and Wear in Court Hon. Robert Altice, Jr. & Hon. Melissa May
NCAA or Sports Law topic Scott Bearby
Lessons from 50+ Years of Criminal Law James Voyles, Jr.
The Art of Communication Gary Varvel
How to Avoid a Bad Situation Hon. Steven David
TBD Hon. Derek Molter
TBD David Herzog
For more information regarding the event and how to register in-person or virtual, visit HERE.
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Indy Legal Aid provides direct assistance to participants in the Re-Entry Court and Drug Treatment Court programs of the Marion County Problem Solving Courts. In September, a Re-Entry Court team referred a participant to Indy Legal Aid.
The client, “Megan” needed assistance reinstating her Driver’s License, along with addressing a past due child support order. Megan was recently released from incarceration and was unable to afford making payments for the current and past due child support amounts. Additionally, Megan’s child had been in foster care for years and was in the process of being adopted.
Indy Legal Aid attorney, Andrea Sneden, contacted the Child Support Division of the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. Andrea explained that the child had not been in the care of either parent for years and was in the process of being adopted. Andrea provided the Prosecutor’s Office with documentation and additional information from Megan. The Prosecutor’s Office agreed to terminate the current child support obligation and issued Megan a credit from that date that the child was placed in foster care, which reduced her arrears balance.
Andrea reviewed Megan’s driver record and provided her with additional information regarding BMV insurance requirements, such as insurance and the Driver Safety Program. Andrea then contacted the Prosecutor in Traffic Court regarding active suspensions on Megan’s driver record from Failure to Pay cases. The Prosecutor agreed to waive the balance owed and dismiss the outstanding cases, which saved Megan from having to pay $490 in outstanding fines. Andrea then filed a motion with the court to waive the reinstatement fee of $1,400.
Andrea’s efforts resulted in Megan having the ability to start fresh, not being hampered by expensive fines and fees. Now she is able to move on more positively with her life.
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GivingTuesday – The World’s Biggest Day of Generosity – Tuesday, November 30 |
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GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. It was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
Please consider giving to Indy Legal Aid’s Holiday Campaign that helps change the lives thousands of underserved Hoosiers each year. You can donate online HERE or by sending a check to:
Holiday Campaign
Indianapolis Legal Aid Society
600 N. Alabama St., Ste 122
Indianapolis, IN 46204
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Indy Legal Aid has a number of volunteer opportunities for attorneys, students, and the general public. For attorneys, we have pro bono cases, internships for students, and our spring and fall events, along with
light office work.
For more information, click here.
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We have several ways for you to make a difference in the lives of our most vulnerable Hoosiers in Central Indiana. Approximately $.90 of every dollar donated to Indianapolis Legal Aid Society is directly used to provide programs and services. For more information, click here.
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615 N Alabama St, Suite 122
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 635 - 9538
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Monday - Friday
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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"The Indianapolis Legal Aid Society is dedicated to ensuring that qualified low-income persons living in the Central Indiana community have access to quality legal assistance for civil disputes." |
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