The U will contribute to Utah Celebrates Pro Bono, an annual event held in conjuncture with the American Bar Association’s and Public Service’s Pro Bono Week.
Monday, Oct. 26 at 12:15 p.m. marks the kick-off of the three-day event, at the S.J. Quinney College of Law. Rick Foster, an employee of the Church of Latter-day Saints Welfare Department with ties to the U’s Pro Bono Initiative (PBI) will give a speech on service and humanitarian work.
On Oct. 27, a street law clinic held on 1234 Main Street will provide free legal advice about consumer issues, employment law and housing from 5 to 7 p.m.
On the last day, Sara Kruzan and Michael Teter will hold a lecture beginning at 12:15 p.m. at the law school. Kruzan will speak about her experience of forced sexual exploitation at age 11 and subsequent sentence of life in prison without parole at age 16. Her case was taken up by a team of Pro Bono attorneys, including Teter, who ultimately secured her release.
Other parts of the event include the annual bake sale on Oct. 28, to raise money for supplies for PBI’s clinics, as well as a panel on the College of Law’s clinical program.
All events will be free and open to the public, except for the panel, which is exclusive for law students.
PBI is a noncredit volunteer program at the U, comprised of a staff director and five law students who work alongside volunteer attorneys to gain experience in the legal system. JoLynn Spruance, PBI director, stressed the necessity of raising awareness for pro bono work.
“[It’s] vital to ensuring those with the greatest need have access to our legal system,” Spruance said in an emailed statement.
For the PBI’s law student fellows, like Travis Walker, being involved with this work exposes them to the trials in real world pro bono cases. As a third year in community legal clinic law, Walker said he’s amazed at the “legal challenges the community faces.”
Utah Celebrates Pro Bono will cater to both students and community members.
“It’s vital that our law students volunteer to help our most vulnerable citizens,” Spruance said. “[And] continue to provide access to justice to those who have the greatest need.”
@sarahnlegg