Thank you to all of you who continue to support the Bar’s pro bono programs!! Without you, marginalized Rhode Islanders would most likely go unrepresented.
Please help us make sure everyone is heard. The RI Bar Association is looking to expand the resources for non-English speaking clients who contact the Volunteer Lawyer Program and Elderly Pro Bono program daily for legal assistance. If you or a member of your staff speak Spanish or any other language and are willing to participate, you will truly strengthen and improve our ability to serve the public.
Any of our members who accept a pro bono case during April will be entered into a raffle to win a ticket to this year’s excellent Annual Meeting being held at the Convention Center on June 23 & 24. The winner will be notified the first week of May.
Today, we have several case placements pending for Spanish speaking clients. Please see the cases summarized below. If you are already a member or interested in joining and/or would like more details about one of the cases below for a Spanish speaking client, please contact Elisa King, eking@ribar.com or phone (401) 421-7799.
Available Spanish Case Summaries
Providence, Collections - Client owes 3k in unpaid rent from 2012. While client disputes the amount (told landlord to use security deposit), she would like to pay the debt but the collection agency is demanding the whole amount. Client would like assistance with working out a payment plan.
Providence, Guardianship - Client needs to take guardianship of developmentally delayed son who is about to turn 18. Father resides in Providence as well and is in agreement with mom being guardian. A DMAT has been completed and client has no criminal record.
Providence, Divorce (Initiate) - Client would like to initiate a nominal divorce with no children or property of the marriage. Client and husband were married in November of 2016 and separated in May of 2021.
Providence, Custody/Support/Placement - 5/16 Kent - Client's daughter (13 years old) was in auto accident with father who is mentally ill. She no longer wants to go to father's house. Father has become so verbally abusive that client had to file an R/O on daughter's behalf. Client doesn't feel daughter is safe with dad and has petitioned for sole custody/placement and support.
Central Falls, Divorce (Initiate) - Client would like to initiate a nominal divorce with no children or property of the marriage. Client and husband were married in September of 2021 and separated in March of 2022.
Woonsocket, Divorce (Initiate) - Client would like to initiate a nominal divorce with no children or property of the marriage. Client and husband were married in 2015 and separated in October of 2020. Husband now resides in Connecticut.
Thank you for helping us make sure everyone is heard.