Page 264 - 2019 Orientation Manual

Free Legal Answers

In August 2016, the LSBA launched new online pro bono program called
LA.FreeLegalAnswers.org as part of a national ABA effort to expand pro bon access across the
nation. Of the 38 states that have agreed to participate, Louisiana was one of the first 8 states to
launch their site. The ABA runs the site and maintains the software, and the LSBA, through the
ATJ Department, is responsible for recruiting volunteers to answer the online submissions and
making the public aware of the service. Each day, thousands of individuals with legal problems
might be assisted by a short answer from a knowledgeable attorney. LA.FreeLegalAnswers.org
allows attorney volunteers to log in whenever and wherever they like to answer legal questions
submitted by those who could not otherwise afford to consult an attorney. Unless a volunteer
chooses to identify themselves, answers provided by volunteer attorneys are anonymous. The site
only allows civil legal questions and contains strict income eligibility guidelines for users to access
the site. In order to qualify for the site, users must be: 18 years of age or older, not currently in jail
or prison, have an income within 250% of the federal poverty guidelines, and have less than
$10,000 in assets. To date, 136 attorneys have registered as volunteers and 1100 questions have
been posed on the site. Of those 1100 questions, 972 or 88% of those questions have been answered
by volunteer attorneys.

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