Lee County Bar Association recognizes nine local lawyers affiliated with nonprofit serving low-income residents in civil cases
The top two attorneys and seven volunteer lawyers affiliated with the Lee County Legal Aid Society are among more than 30 “legal superstars” being honored for their work on behalf of low-income county residents in need of legal aid.
The Lee County Bar Association’s annual Pro Bono Award winners included local judges, court officials and attorneys in private practice. The 31 honorees share one common trait: a commitment to dedicating their time and energy on behalf of those unable to afford an attorney on their own.
Unlike in criminal law, there is no constitutional right to counsel in civil law, which includes landlord-tenant disputes, foreclosures, evictions, probate, debt collection, child custody cases, domestic violence orders of protection and more.
Executive Director Andrew Banyai and Legal Director Blair DeMinico both received recognition for their efforts “for the public good.” Additionally, seven more local attorneys in private practice were honored for their volunteer work on behalf of Lee County Legal Aid Society: Maria Alaimo, Lisa Gelman, Carlena Hull, Susan Larned, Kristianna Soto and Frank and Patty Talty.
Alaimo, Hull and the Taltys are repeat winners, part of a volunteer corps that collectively donates about 1,000 hours a year of their time.
“Public recognition for the pro-bono contributions of local lawyers, judges and court administrators is gratifying, but shouldn’t overshadow the reasons why such efforts are so sorely needed,” Banyai said. “It’s vital that we continue working to narrow the access to justice gap for those who otherwise wouldn’t have access to legal representation.”
Those efforts include removing some of the institutional hurdles that can prevent those in need of civil legal aid from seeking help.
Such programs include “Law at the Library,” which pairs volunteer attorneys with county residents ages 50 and older at quarterly sessions at the downtown Fort Myers library; and a weekly Self-Help Center, in partnership with the Lee County Clerk of Court’s Office, which matches clients with volunteer lawyers for free, 20-minute Zoom consultations.
Lee County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller Kevin Karnes was also honored with a 2024 Pro Bono Award from the Lee County Bar Association, which was joined by Lee County Legal Aid Society and Florida Rural Legal Services as event sponsors.
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Good evening, I need help what do I need to do
My apology for not having seen this post sooner. On our website, click “Get Assistance” and if your legal issue is not an application for a Family Law or Housing Law matter, try this: We run the Lee Clerk’s Self Help Center Zoom meetings every Tuesday afternoon, by virtual appointment only. This is for a 20-minute advice appointment only (not representation) with a group of attorneys who donate their time. There is NO qualifying for this free service we provide. Go to http://www.leeclerk.org and look for the tab Services, then Self Help Center, then Legal Aid, and go to the Fort Myers (NOT the one for marriage licenses!) to apply for an appointment. There is usually a high demand for this free advice, and the calendar stops allowing you to create an appointment at the two-weeks mark. If you cannot register for an appointment, it is advised that you try on a Monday morning, when the schedule opens up for another week of appointments.
Best regards,
Nanci
Elderly, and need help with probate.
Hello good afternoon I need help pls somebody can help me pls pls
I need help and have no money. What do I need to do? I feel I was scammed out of home. I need help asap.
I need help with social security. They claim they overpaid which i dispute. They took 90% of my check for March 2025. Pls help i am elderly and very much rely on the check. Thank you