TALLAHASSEE -- The Indian River County Bar Association has been selected to receive the Voluntary Bar Association Pro Bono Award from Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Harry Lee Anstead on Thursday, January 30.

Generally, pro bono refers to legal services provided free of charge to those who cannot pay for them. The term "pro bono," derived from the Latin phrase "pro bono publico," means "for the good of the public." This is the thirteenth time the award and recognition has been given to a local bar association for its significant contribution in the delivery of free legal services to the poor.

The Indian River County Bar Association is a voluntary bar association which has served the Indian River County legal community since 1984, the year of its incorporation. Indian River County Bar Association members devote their energy, resources and attention to public services, charitable organizations, and informing the public of the importance and privilege of being a citizen of this country. One program the bar uses to reach the community is a monthly local access television show discussing topics of interest to the public.

The pro bono services provided by members of the Indian River County Bar Association have continued for many years, including those years preceding the formal incorporation of the bar association. The Indian River County Bar Association works hand in hand with Florida Rural Legal Services in order to ensure the provision of attorney services to those, who because of financial conditions, are unable to afford the services of a lawyer.

For the past several years the Indian River County Bar Association has been able to place all cases referred to it by Florida Rural Legal Services. The Committee also works in coordination with local judges of the 19th Judicial Circuit.

Examples of community service by the Indian River County Bar Association include: the establishment of a visitation center where children of divorced parents can meet with the noncustodial parent in a home-like residential atmosphere and the establishment of as a "Wills on Wheels" program in which members of the bar association provide legal assistance in preparing last wills and testaments, durable powers of attorney, and other documents.

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[Updated: 07-01-2005 ]