Advocating with Passion and Purpose
FEBRUARY 2021
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THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS!
Indy Legal Aid is pleased to announce that our 2020 Holiday Campaign raised nearly $228,000 to help us serve the most vulnerable in our community with their legal issues. Forty-one local law firms participated and we'd like to thank each one for their leadership. But first, we'd like to recognize our amazing committee members who made the campaign possible. They are Lee Christie, Committee Chair and Indy Legal Aid Board Member; John Trimble, Indy Legal Aid Board President; and John McLaughlin, Indy Legal Aid Board Member. Their dedication and enthusiasm were unparalleled and we are forever grateful.
Christie, Farrell, Lee & Bell
Cohen & Malad, LLP
Cummins
Drewry Simmons LLP
Glaser & Ebbs
Hall Render
Hanover Insurance
Hensley Legal Group
Hoover Hull Turner LLP
Indianapolis Legal Aid Society
Kirk Kitzinger Law Office
Krieg DeVault
Kroger Gardis
Ladendorf Law
Lewis Kappes
Lewis Wagner LLP
McKinney School of Law
Metzger Rosta
Norris Choplin
Ogletree Deakins
Paganelli Law Firm
Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse
Quarles & Brady
Reminger
Riley Bennett Egloff
Scopelitis Garvin
SmithAmundsen
Stephenson Rife
Taft Law
Wilson Kehoe
Wooden McLaughlin
Check out the article about the campaign in the February 17 edition of The Indiana Lawyer, "Record-setting fundraiser brings 'breath of fresh air.'
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February Client Success Story
One of our clients, “Nancy”, was in a dire situation after being evicted by her landlord. Her landlord (a senior living community) had filed for eviction and a hearing was held, but Nancy felt like the judge did not listen to her side of the story and ultimately sided with the landlord. We at Indy Legal Aid often hear this from pro se litigants and find that clients often get better results in the courtroom when they are represented by an attorney. According to Nancy, the issue that gave rise to the lawsuit was that she did not receive the proper paperwork regarding a rent increase in her senior living community, felt she did not owe the increased amount, and therefore did not pay.
Nancy’s goal was to resolve this issue and remain at the community she calls home. She had contacted several attorneys but was unable to get the resolution she was seeking. Luckily, Nancy contacted Indy Legal Aid and spoke to attorney Jennifer Hammond, who listened to her story and then accessed Nancy’s court documents. Until speaking to Jennifer, Nancy was not aware that this information is public record.
Jennifer explained to Nancy what the next steps were in the eviction process. More importantly, Jennifer was able to inform Nancy that the court had extended the Writ of Execution until May 2021, giving Nancy more time to find her next place to live.
While Nancy ultimately must leave the facility she calls home, Nancy was thrilled with the help she received from not only Jennifer, but from our front desk operator, Alec Steinmetz, who took Nancy’s calls. Nancy even offered to drop off bagels to the staff. Nancy’s case is an excellent example of how listening with care and compassion can make a very powerful impact on clients and people in need. As Jennifer commented, “Sometimes, people just need kindness!”
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Second Chance Driver's License
Workshops Continue
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The importance of having a driver’s license cannot be overstated. Since November 2019, Indy Legal Aid has worked collaboratively with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office Second Chance Driver’s License Workshops. These workshops have been remote since June 2020.
In 2020 the workshops assisted nearly 1,000
low-income participants. Stats provided by the Prosecutor’s Office include 53% Male and 47% Female participants with the age range of 21-40 comprising 63% for 2020. The average amount of BMV reinstatement fees owed was $1,717 with the average amount of fees/fines waived/dismissed per person was $670. These workshops are critical to getting people back on the road to living productive lives.
For 2021, workshops are scheduled each month. The Prosecutor’s Office plans to serve 100 participants in each monthly workshop, with Indy Legal Aid committed to 50 participants each month. In addition, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office and Indy Legal Aid created a training video for volunteer attorneys and an instruction form to assist these volunteers. Indy Legal Aid will also be available the day of the workshops to answer questions from the volunteer attorneys.
We would like to recognize Indy Legal Aid attorney, Andrea Sneden, for spearheading this effort from the beginning. Thank you, Andrea, for your expertise and commitment!
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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 $.87 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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