As part of an on-going effort to connect with the public and raise awareness about the legal needs of the poor, the foundation will staff toll-free call centers across the state with volunteer attorneys. According to Russell Rawlings, communications director for the foundation, they encourage legal queries about “anything and everything.”
“People are sometimes apprehensive about making a phone call to a doctor, lawyer or accountant. They may decide not to make that call. But in this case it’s ‘What have I got to lose?’” said Rawlings.
While some questions may be cleared up over the phone, many callers will receive guidance on how to proceed with their problems. The call center is not a substitute for a formal attorney-client privileged meeting, but it is a one-on-one resource that can help get people on track.
“On Friday if they have a question, they can call and talk to a lawyer for free; and while it may not be something that can be resolved right away — and that is probably the case — they can ask their question, get help, and go from there.”
Rawlings said this is the second year in a row that event is being held state-wide; it drew over 7,000 calls last year.
“This is a very big day for the bar, and we have a good time doing it. That was one of the big positives last year; the attorneys really enjoyed it.”
According to Rawlings, the most commonly asked questions fall under family law, but they field calls on a little bit of everything - problems with a tenant or a landlord, for example, or issues with car and house payments.
“So often people have a general knowledge of the law, or what they think is the law, but the lawyers through their training are the ones who are able to answer those questions, said Rawlings.
Ultimately, the caller will be the one to decide what their next step will be. But Friday’s free legal advice can get them started out on the right foot, Rawlings said.
The NC Bar Association Foundation Public Service Event will be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 6th. Richmond County residents with legal questions can ask them free of charge by calling 1-888-818-3471 or 1-800-424-9725.
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