YLS Council hosts Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers clinic

The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section (YLS) participated in a hands-on clinic July 15 during which 21 members of the group logged in to Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org to help low-income Missouri citizens receive answers to non-criminal legal questions. 

Members of the YLS Council regularly donate their time in conjunction with council meetings to perform community service projects. During this one-hour clinic, participating lawyers answered more than 50 different questions.  

“The YLS Council is committed to giving back to the community by doing service projects that benefit Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens,” said Bobby Thrasher, YLS council representative from District 3 in Kansas City. “By answering questions through Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org, we are able to help people with limited resources access valuable legal advice that will positively impact their lives. “ 

Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org is a virtual legal clinic that connects volunteer lawyers with low-income Missourians, said Brett Rolwes, legal and community services coordinator with The Missouri Bar. Those who meet the income requirement can post their questions to the website, where volunteer lawyers who are authorized to provide pro bono assistance can answer them and provide legal advice. 

Any licensed Missouri lawyer can volunteer to answer questions on Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org, which provides an opportunity to perform pro bono work in a completely flexible way. To learn more, go to Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org and click on “Volunteer Attorney Registration” to get started today! 

Along with this project, YLS Council members who could not participate in Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org due to job-related restrictions wrote two dozen letters for upcoming new lawyers. The missives welcome those who will attend the Sept. 23 Fall Enrollment Ceremony to the profession of law. Check out the plethora of resources for new lawyers here.