by Ryan McKeen
A few weeks ago, the Courant ran a story about a pilot program launched in Hartford Family Court where pro se litigants can get free legal advice from lawyers on certain days in court.
The goal of the program is to help ease the stress placed on the system by the increasing number of pro se litigants. A noble cause indeed.
While I support the purpose of the program I don’t like it. Giving free legal advice to all who seek it perpetuates the idea that legal advice isn’t valuable. It further perpetuates the idea that private lawyers are so expensive that no one can afford one. Both notions are false.
Pro Bono service is a pillar of our profession. However, Pro Bono service should only be rendered to people who truly can’t afford legal advice not people who don’t want to pay for it.
Instead the Court should promote the lawyer referral service. For $25 someone seeking legal advice can get a referral for a half hour consultation with a lawyer in the area. I regularly see lawyer referral clients and help them with their problems. Many times their questions have simple answers which I’m happy to provide.
Sometimes I’m able to work out a flexible fee agreement that fits my client’s budget. In my opinion, the Lawyer Referral service is a win-win for clients and lawyers and ultimately the courts.
Of course, a $25 referral fee can’t compete with free which I think results in a loss for all involved.