Lawyers in Libraries

The Natchitoches Parish Library, in partnership with the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) and the Louisiana Library Association (LLA), is presenting its first “Lawyers in Libraries” program on Thursday, Oct. 29.
 
A local attorney will present an Ask-a-Lawyer Program (or a legal presentation addressing specific topics) beginning at 10a.m. – 12p.m. in the library’s meeting room).
 
The program is free and open to the public, but those interested should contact Amy Walmsley at 318-357-3280 to reserve a space.
 
The “Lawyers in Libraries” program is part of a larger LSBA initiative called the Legal Education and Assistance Program (LEAP). The LSBA and the LLA aim to have an attorney in a library in each parish in the state on Oct. 23.
 
“Libraries are a natural starting point for people seeking information about a particular issue, which is why the LSBA is excited to launch the Legal Education and Assistance Program to help meet the legal needs of low-income families in Louisiana,” said LSBA President Joseph L. (Larry) Shea, Jr.
 
“Louisiana’s civil legal aid programs’ resources have been significantly reduced in recent years. In response, the LSBA and our partners have had to do more with less,” Shea said. “LEAP is the type of innovative collaboration that we hope will lay a foundation for future initiatives that address the needs of communities and connect vulnerable individuals with the resources they need,” he added.
 
The “Lawyers in Libraries” initiative was designed in partnership with the LLA. “The Louisiana Library Association is thrilled to be collaborating with the Louisiana State Bar Association and the legal community to provide much needed services to public library patrons,” said Vivian McCain, past president of LLA. “We believe this partnership will enable librarians to answer many legal questions that were previously not possible. We appreciate the dedicated attorneys who have given of their time and expertise to make this collaboration a reality,” she added.
 
For more information about the program, go to: www.LouisianaLawyersinLibraries.org.
 
The Louisiana State Bar Association assists its more than 22,000 members in the practice of law. The statewide association, as part of its multi-faceted mission, promotes and maintains access to justice initiatives for the state’s residents, assists the Louisiana Supreme Court in its regulation of the practice of law, upholds the honor of the courts and the profession, and supports programs that increase public understanding of and respect for the law.