NM Gov. declares 'Pro Bono Week'

Kevin Buey

Oct. 26, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- SANTA FE -- Gov. Bill Richardson and The New Mexico Supreme Court have proclaimed October 25 to 31 New Mexico Pro Bono Week.

Pro bono is legal work provided by lawyers, at no fee, for the public good. It most often benefits low-income individuals, in civil law areas such as family law, house, employment and consumer issues.

In recognition of Pro Bono week, some area attorneys have agreed to donate their time to offer legal advice of a general nature to the public.

"It is good to recognize that as attorneys, we all have a duty to provide some pro bono work," Sixth Judicial District Court Judge Daniel Viramontes said. I'm pleased to say that in Luna County, many of the attorneys do provide pro bono work. I know that first-hand."

Viramontes' law career has included private practice as well as time in the Sixth Judicial District Attorney's office before his appointment to the Sixth Judicial District bench.

The public, in seeking pro bono aid, may call (575) 543-1557 for advice on a variety of legal topics, from noon to 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30.

"Access to justice is a fundamental and essential right in a democratic society," said Chief Justice Edward L. Chavez. "With over 25 percent of New Mexicans qualifying for legal aid services and the poverty rate on the rise during this recession, pro bono services are critical to providing low income individuals the representation they require to gain access to justice and protect their rights and liberties.

"Over half of New Mexico attorneys reported donating a total of nearly 250,000 pro bono hours in 2008. We applaud those lawyers who, by donating their time, have made a real difference in the lives of many New Mexicans. I encourage each lawyer in New Mexico to participate your round in pro bono assistance. Our republic cannot be a complete democracy if its poorest citizens are effectively denied access to its system of justice."

New Mexicans, Richardson said, have a proud tradition of service to their communities, with attorneys playing an integral part of that tradition.

"Our attorneys, through their pro bono work," Richardson said, "are supplying critical assistance to our state's most vulnerable citizens. I want to thank them for this work and I encourage all New Mexicans to use Pro Bono Week as an opportunity to reflect on how they can give back to their communities."

Kevin Buey can be reached at kbuey@demingheadlight.com.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0481-39144598