Pro Bono

Below are just some other examples of how TBPA not only boasts having the best paralegal members in the Bay Area, but that its members are charitable and willing to give to those who are less fortunate. For more information, contact the Pro Bono Chair, Yvonne DeAntoneo, RP.

For reporting purposes, it is important that you provide your Pro Bono hours for 2008 to Yvonne on a quarterly basis. You can download the Pro Bono hours form.

Join your Fellow Paralegals for the 2008 Komen Florida Suncoast Race for the Cure and help to support the fight against breast cancer. The Race is October 4^th and the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association has formed a team and we want you there! Come join us, have fun and enjoy the Race.

Follow this link to join our team - PARALEGALS FOR THE CURE!

Visit the team page at http://komensuncoast.kintera.org/2008race/paralegals

If you cannot walk with us, consider joining Paralegals for the Cure and sleeping in or sponsoring one of your fellow paralegals. If you elected to give a donation, thank you for your generous gift to Florida Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. The Affiliate is a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) tax status for tax purposes. The Florida Suncoast Affiliate's tax identification number is 75-2870702.

If you have any questions, please contact Yvonne DeAntoneo.

Third Quarter 2008 Bears on Patrol Collection

The "Bears on Patrol" program assists local law enforcement officers who respond to calls that involve young children. Many times when an officer responds to a domestic violence call, a traffic accident, or other emergency, there are young children at the scene. Through this program officers would be given teddy bears to carry in the trunks of their patrol cars which they could then give to a child who had been traumatized by the event. Programs in place in other parts of the country note that the bears have helped to reduce the trauma suffered by children who are exposed to violence, abuse, or other upsetting incidents. Officers report that the bears have been valuable
to them in comforting upset children.

We will be collecting new, unused teddy bears at our August and September luncheons and would ask that each of you consider contributing to this drive. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Nancy Daniel at 813-227-6752.

Thank you in advance for your generous support of this local assistance program!

TBPA is proud to announce the First Quarter charity drive will be the Hope Children's Home. At the March 19^th luncheon, we will be collecting gift cards and cash donations for Hope Children's Home. They are currently caring for approximately 65 discarded, abused, unwanted or orphaned children ranging from ages 2-19 who would otherwise have no place to go. Please consider gift cards for the big box stores, such as Wal-Mart or Target, or cash donations. This is the one time of the year that the children actually get to pick out their own clothing and the shopping trip becomes quite an adventure for them. Please join with TBPA in helping to make this shopping expedition memorable and fun.

To learn more about Hope Children's Home, visit them on the web: http://www.hopechildrenshome.org/

The Tampa Bay Paralegal Association is proud to participate in NFPA’s Navy Legalman and Military Paralegal Outreach Program. The purpose of this program is to provide support and bring comfort, along with information and news regarding the civilian paralegal profession to our military paralegal counterparts serving our Country overseas. TBPA has made a commitment in 2008 to adopt a Military Paralegal and send care packages to this paralegal every other month. Our first collection at the January luncheon was met with resounding support.

We are currently assigned a Navy Legalman named Heidi who is stationed in Iraq. She is a Legalman First Class Petty Officer (E-6). Her permanent duty station is the Regional Legal Service Office in Norfolk, Virginia. She is currently assigned to Detainee Operations Legal, the Magistrate’s Cell. The paralegals in her department put together six-part files on every detainee. The attorneys review those files and recommend how each detainee's case should be handled. Detainees can either go to the Central Criminal Courts of Iraq or the Combined Review and Release Board. If a detainee is released, her department has "check out" paperwork that a detainee has to complete before they are released. Of course, there is a lot of work that goes on in between these two steps. Heidi informs us she will be returning to the States in March

We encourage all of our members to help us continue to support our paralegal counterparts while they are overseas. Our next drive will be in May and we will have a new Military Paralegal to introduce to you at that time. In addition to the items listed on the Tip Sheet for donations, we do ask our military paralegals to help us personalize their care packages. Some great suggestions in the past have included reading materials such as books and magazines, stress balls or fun items for the office, and various snacks. Several members of TBPA had the opportunity to meet some of the military paralegals at the NFPA Convention here in Tampa. They are extremely grateful for the support we show them. Thanks to all of TBPA’s members for their support of our Military Paralegals

For more information on how you can participate, please contact Emily Merlin-Closuit, CLA or Yvonne DeAntoneo, RP.

Once again, TBPA members made a strong showing for our toy drive to benefit the Toys for Tots program. The stash was SO BIG, that we had to use three locations throughout the room!!! If you didn't make it, you missed a great time and good eats!

Thank you to everyone who donated clothing, school supplies and used cell phones to benefit The Spring. We had an amazing outpouring of contributions and they were very appreciative. It you would like a Donation Receipt, please contact Jody Hall.

First Quarter 2007: TBPA member Janice L. Garren, CLAS, along with Robyn E. Turner, CLA, assisted three attorneys from the Hillsborough County Bar Association at a Pro Bono session on February 27, 2007 at the Seminole Heights Library. Several members of the community were assisted by three attorneys and these two legal assistants, with wills, health care surrogate and living will forms. Even the young citizens were involved in paralegal training - see the young one "taking notes" in the photos. HCBA will have another Pro Bono session at a local library soon. Please contact JHHall@trenam.com for volunteer opportunities and Pro Bono hours.

As in years past, TBPA's 4th Quarter Pro Bono Project went to benefit the Toys for Tots program. Every year, our members have helped make this project a huge success!

Though the assistance of NFPA, TBPA adopted a paralegal stationed overseas. Members gathered items to put into "care packages" such as non-perishables, reading materials, etc. The “care packages” were mailed overseas.

“Lawyers for Literacy.” TBPA joined with the Hillsborough County Bar Association in this outreach program that seeks to encourage literacy among at-risk preschool children. The goals are to increase the likelihood that children will learn to value books, reading and literacy.

TBPA Board member, Janice Garren, CLAS, read to a class at the Mango Head Start program and found the experience to be enlightening. In addition, TBPA made a monetary donation so books could be purchased for this program.

Our first quarter efforts went to benefit the Hillsborough County Guardian Ad Litem and Voices for Children programs.

During the January luncheon, a newsletter along with the state-wide brochure for the GAL/VFC Program was distributed. During the February luncheon, the members were provided more detailed information including a statement from one of our own members, Peggy Wells-Fuente, who has been a Guardian Ad Litem since 1994. During our March luncheon, we had an Attorney with the Guardian Ad Litem program speak.

For the fifth year in a row, TBPA's charity drive for the Fourth Quarter Pro Bono project benefited the Toys for Tots program.

During the third quarter of 2005, Tampa Bay Paralegal Association and its members will focus their pro bono efforts on The Life Enrichment Center.

The Center, located at 9704 North Boulevard in Tampa, provides opportunities for seniors in the Tampa community who desire to continue their pursuit of lifelong growth and creativity. Among the classes and activities offered are: Bridge, Table Games, Blood Pressure Check, Introduction to Computers, How to Setup and Use E-mail, Low Impact Exercise, Fundamentals of Drawing & Painting, Crochet & Knitting, Oil Painting, and Writing Your Autobiography.

On the fourth Saturday in July, seven volunteers came, with rakes in hand, ready to assist Lisa Miller who organized this pro bono effort. Lisa’s husband, Donny, saved hours of work by moving the mulch with the Bobcat loader, and Lisa’s 7-year old daughter, Hannah, was an eager assistant to all. Marty Bubbly, Esq. of Bubbly & Bubbly, one of The Center’s board members, was also there spreading mulch, Lori Coons and Mary McKay, CLA.

The center has been the unfortunate victim of two burglaries. At this time, we encourage our members to provide monetary donations made payable to The Life Enrichment Center.

A special thanks to all who participated in Lawyers for Literacy project. Many of you provided books to be given to the children at the Headstart Centers as a part of this pro bono effort. In addition, several TBPA members participated by reading to the Hillsborough County preschoolers. The purpose of the project was to ignite an interest in reading within children whose background may not otherwise create such an interest.

Sharon Canterbury of Trenam Kemker told us, “I had such a good feeling after reading to the children. They were very attentive and seemed to really enjoy the books Lawyers for Literacy donated…”

TBPA member, Lisa Miller, read to children at the MOSI head start center and reported, “The children were anxious to see the books and hear the stories. It is a good reminder of how a small amount of effort can make a difference.”

Anna Cornett of Trial Consulting Services said, “It was my pleasure to participate in this educational and uplifting event! The need to promote literacy should be at the forefront of the US educational system. Showing children that having the ability to read can lead to a bright and successful future was key. [This] event was truly altruistic.”

It is very rewarding to give something back to our community. We’d like to encourage all of TBPA’s members to consider making a contribution by getting involved in its pro bono projects. NFPA’s goal is to have 1% of NFPA’s membership (approximately 12,000) or 120 paralegals report meeting the annual goal of 24 hours being devoted to pro bono service. This year 78 of NFPA’s paralegals met the 24-hour goal and reported they had dedicated approximately 4,856.75 hours to pro bono service.

Finally, of the TBPA volunteers who participated in Lawyers for Literacy, Janice Garren recalls, “All those little bright eyes looking up in awe! This experience was extremely rewarding, and a nice break from the office routine. I encourage everyone to take some time for pro bono efforts.”

During January's luncheon meeting, a representative from the Red Cross provided an informative program. Those in attendance voted to name the Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross as TBPA's First Quarter Pro Bono project for 2005.

For the fourth year in a row, TBPA's charity drive for the December luncheon will benefit the Toys for Tots program.

Our Third Quarter pro bono project was to benefit the Children's Cancer Center. Once again, our members were generous in raising funds for this worthwhile cause as well as donating donating restaurant gift certificates. The Board of Directors also approved a $100 donation to the Children's Cancer Center.

The purpose of the Attorney/Paralegal Partnership Project (Project) is to recruit attorneys and paralegals to work together as a team to provide pro bono assistance to indigent residents of Hillsborough County and to provide an opportunity for paralegals to participate in a pro bono project.

For many years, it has been the policy of the Bay Area Volunteer Lawyers Program (BAVLP) to refer legal matters solely to attorneys. This decision was based on BAVLP's determination that most legal matters could be resolved quickly and efficiently by the involvement of an attorney, rather than a paralegal. In addition, BAVLP staff was concerned about adequate paralegal supervision, potential liability, and the extent and quality of paralegal legal expertise.

Despite BAVLP's decision not to refer cases to paralegals, paralegals actively participate in many of the cases handled by volunteer attorneys. In 2003, paralegals donated 402 hours interviewing clients and providing legal assistance in connection with cases referred to volunteer attorneys. Often the paralegals donated as many or more hours than the volunteer attorney assigned to the case.

What this information reveals is that attorneys and paralegals working together as a team can effectively and efficiently handle pro bono cases and with attorney supervision and guidance, one or more paralegals can take the lead in providing pro bono assistance to indigent clients.

BAVLP is always looking for ways to recruit volunteer attorneys and to maximize our resources to provide assistance to more clients. The Project provides an opportunity to do both. The concept behind the Project is that a paralegal, who is interested in providing pro bono assistance, will recruit attorneys from within his or her law firm to partner with the paralegal to handle a pro bono case together. Once the paralegal has recruited his or her attorney partner(s), the paralegal will provide information to BAVLP to enable us to refer the appropriate pro bono cases to the attorney/paralegal team. This information would include the names of the attorney and the paralegal, their areas of legal expertise, and the types of cases they are interested in handling together.

When BAVLP determines it has a pro bono case that is appropriate for the attorney/paralegal partners, the case will be referred to the paralegal to review, do a conflict check, and discuss with the attorney. If the attorney and paralegal determine that they have the time, expertise, and interest to handle the case, the paralegal will notify BAVLP. There is no obligation to take a case. If, for any reason, the partners determine they cannot accept the case referral, the paralegal should notify BAVLP and we will try to refer the case to someone else.

The Project has many potential benefits. It provides an opportunity for paralegals to provide pro bono help, to work directly with a client, to improve their legal expertise, and to work with a variety of attorneys in their law firms. It also provides an opportunity for those attorneys who want to provide pro bono assistance, but may be hesitant to take on a case due to concerns about the time involved or availability due to pending transactional or litigation deadlines.

There is a great need in our community for pro bono legal assistance. BAVLP is interested in recruiting attorneys and paralegals that have expertise in civil legal matters. However, in particular, the areas of greatest demand are family law, bankruptcy, probate, guardianship, and consumer. In addition, there is a significant need for Spanish-speaking attorneys and paralegals.

Most cases referred by BAVLP involve indigent individuals or families. However, BAVLP also provides pro bono assistance to small nonprofits and community groups who primarily serve low-income individuals or communities. These groups do not have the resources to hire an attorney and, generally, need help with corporate, tax, employment, or real property issues. Many seek assistance to determine whether and how to establish the group as a tax-exempt entity. These types of cases could provide an opportunity for pro bono service for those attorneys and paralegals with legal expertise in transactional matters.

If you have any questions regarding the Project, please contact Sheila Seig, Pro Bono Manager, BAVLP, at 232-1222, extension 139.

The first quarter pro bono project was for the benefit of The Children's Home, a local organization that provides help and support to needy children and families. TCH provides many services, including residential treatment for troubled children, foster care and adoption services, as well as family support services.¹ Our members were quite generous in their donation of clothing, toys, as well as cash donations.

For the third year in a row, TBPA's charity drive for the December luncheon benefited the Toys for Tots program.

June/July 2003: Our Summer Pro Bono project was The Faith Café, an organization which serves hot meals to the homeless six days a week in an atmosphere that is inviting and preserves their dignity. Our members were generous and donated toiletries as well as several cash donations.

For the month of March, we focused on the Children's Cancer Center. Our members were generous by donating movie tickets, restaurant gift certificates, grocery gift certificates, passes to the museum or zoo, as well as cash donations.

December 2002: The charity for the month of December was "Toys for Tots". This year's toy drive was even more successful than 2001!

November 2002: Baylife Mental Health Center was the charity sponsored by TBPA for the month of November. As usual, our members exhibited great compassion and provided much of the items that were requested including: undergarments, socks, t-shirts, hair brushes, combs, shampoo, deodorant, and soap. A 6 foot table was completely covered with these items for the Health Center.

Send an email to the webmaster with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 2000-2008 Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc. Last modified: August 19, 2008

Send an email to the webmaster with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2000-2008 Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc.
Last modified: August 19, 2008