metro • •7- /11, 41: 2e? 111. %oil. • ••• The Equalizers 4#4 1304 {'V OO- Je - JFS Legal Referral Service unites clients in need with attorneys. Elizabeth Applebaum Special to the Jewish News I t all began with a few too many they cannot effectively represent them- selves," said LRS volunteer attorney Laurel Stuart Fink. "To preserve the integrity of the judicial system and to fulfill our social obligation to provide care for each other, ifs incumbent upon attorneys to assist" The lawyers assure clients that while they are in a rough spot, they still will be able to access the finest legal services. "It tells our dients,`You're worth our time:" Goldberg says. "It gives people back their sense of dignity and self- worth:' mad dashes down the halls of Jewish Family Service (JFS) in West Bloomfield. "Does anyone know a lawyer?" some- one would call to colleagues throughout the building. The caveat: The lawyer had to be willing to work for free. In the past few years, with increasing economic troubles in Michigan, JFS' cli- entele has come to indude a large num- ber of local residents facing bankruptcy and eviction. Enter "the equalizers:' This year, the JFS Legal Referral Service (LRS) marks five years. A joint project between the area's legal community and a social service agency, the LRS matches clients need- ing legal assistance with attorneys willing to help Amy Haimann, JFS chief development officer; at no cost. It may mean answering a single question Lindsay Leder, JFS director of volunteer services; or guiding a client through Mark Jacobs, chair of the Legal Referral Service; and Kelly Goldberg, coordinator of the LRS. a complicated procedure. This is why Mark Jacobs, an attorney who helped found the LRS, calls its volunteers "the Attorneys decide how much time they equalizers:' can donate, making it easy for anyone to "This organization is a safety nee,' he participate. Often it takes just a little to says. "We work with more than 100 law- save a life. yers — not law students, not rookies, but Goldberg says, "The attorneys tell us some of the finest lawyers in the area:' they feel so humbled to be able to make Since its creation, and with longtime a difference:' support from the Jewish Women's She recalls one family facing eviction Foundation, the LRS has served some whose lawyer discovered their landlord 300 clients for a total of more than was charging them double the rent. He $1 million in pro bono services. Most pursued the matter and quickly the fam- involve family issues like divorce (the ily was guaranteed another six months leading cause of poverty for women), fol- in their home, plus a reduced rent lowed by bankruptcy. The LRS does not "The fact the family had a bright, accept criminal or personal injury cases. experienced advocate meant the differ- The LRS has "become an integral part ence between their being able to stay in of our core services:' says Lindsay Leder, their home and eviction:' Goldberg says. JFS director of volunteer services. Sometimes those homes are in expen- The LRS is a team effort involving sive neighborhoods, inhabited by people attorneys, JFS social workers, case man- who once were generous donors to JFS agers and staff with expertise. A JFS and other Jewish organizations. client needing legal advice discusses the "The struggles of our community are situation with a case manager. The case palpable," Jacobs said. "You hear about manager refers the client to JFS Legal people facing difficulties and you think, Services Coordinator Kelly Goldberg. Her `Them?' But no one is immune:' next step is uniting client and attorney. Attorneys interested in volunteering The lawyers are a diverse group. The may contact Kelly Goldberg at (248) 592- one trait they share is compassion. 1907. Those needing help from the Legal "There are a tremendous number of Referral Service must be a JFS client, and people who need access to the courts _ can contact the JFS Resource Center at who are in family law situations where (248) 592-2313. ❑ at two council resale locations: ROYAL OAK BERKLEY Sun., Mar. 11 • 10am - 4pm 1221 E. Lincoln Royal Oak, MI 48067 248-542-2600 Sun., Mar. 18 • 11 am - 4pm 3297 W. 12 Mile Rd. Berkley, MI 48072 248-548-6664 SPRING SHOWCASE PREVIEW, Sun., Mar. 18 • 9am-11am — Berkley only, First choice of all merchandise. Be the first to view and purchase these spring fashions. Pre-Showcase Shopping Admission - $25 Men's, Women's and Children's Spring Fashions & Accessories t vitroy,,, 444 • •• • . • Council reiscde Fashion Resale At its Best SPRING CLEANING? 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