The Pro Bono Initiative (PBI) at the S.J. Quinney College of Law is committed to serving the community by offering brief legal advice sites throughout the Salt Lake valley. One of our newest legal help programs is the family law site at the Kearns Public Library, held the fourth Thursday of each month from 5-7 p.m.
Volunteer law students as well as local family law attorneys offer their expertise to help individuals dealing with family law matters such as child custody, divorce, protective orders, guardianship, and adoption. Additionally, PBI partners with the Third District’s Community Court Program to allow parties to be seen by a commissioner and receive mediation.
This collaboration has resulted in an impactful legal help site and is a testament to PBI’s dedication to educate students, actively contribute to the welfare of society, and expand our resources across the Salt Lake valley. So far, students and attorneys have met with 40 individuals seeking family law advice in a welcoming environment.
McKaela Dangerfield, the site’s student director and this year’s Golden Rule Fellow, generously funded by the Golden Rule Project, is passionate about family law and helping members of the community.
“Family law pro bono services play a crucial role in ensuring access to justice for those who may not have the financial means to navigate their sensitive legal proceedings. The Golden Rule, ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you,’ resonates powerfully in the context of family law pro bono work,” Dangerfield says.
Noting that family legal challenges often involve personal matters like divorce, child custody, spousal support and domestic violence, Dangerfield says that navigating the legal system without financial means only exacerbates the stress and anxiety inherit in these situations.
“By facilitating access to justice during these sensitive times, our volunteers contribute not only to the resolution of specific cases but also to the broader goal of creating a more just and compassionate community. Our volunteer students, attorneys, and licensed paralegal practitioners exemplify the Golden Rule, recognizing that everyone, regardless of their economic circumstances, deserves fair and equitable treatment under the law,” she says.
The Kearns Public Library site welcomes walk-ins seeking brief legal advice. Moreover, the court will be in session for those parties with documents to file, offering a chance to be heard by the commissioner if both parties are available.
If you are a community member in need of legal advice or a legal professional passionate about making a real difference in the community, contact us at probono@law.utah.edu or call 801-58105418.