In Re Arkansas Access to Justice Month

2019 Ark. 276

Opinion

Digitally signed by Susan P. Williams Reason: I attest to the accuracy and integrity of Cite as 2019 Ark. 276 this document Date: SUPREME COURT OF ARKANSAS 2022.07.20 11:43:54 -05'00' Opinion Delivered: October 10, 2019

IN RE ARKANSAS ACCESS TO JUSTICE MONTH

PER CURIAM

As officers of the court, Arkansas attorneys bear a professional responsibility, under

Rule 6.1 of the Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct, to provide free legal services to

persons of limited means or organizations that serve persons of limited means and to

voluntarily contribute financial support to organizations that provide legal services to persons

of limited means. This commitment to public service represents one of the noblest attributes

of the legal profession.

We join the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission in designating October as Access

to Justice Month to draw attention to the justice gap in Arkansas, recognize the valuable

contributions made by legal aid and pro bono attorneys throughout the year, and to

encourage pro bono participation to address the legal needs of low-income Arkansans.

The Court commends the many Arkansas attorneys who serve their profession, their

communities, and their state by donating thousands of hours of pro bono services and by

making generous financial contributions to legal aid organizations. The Court encourages all attorneys to abide by both the letter and the spirit of Rule 6.1 through pro bono service

and financial support. Consistent with Rule 3.7(B) of the Arkansas Code of Judicial

Conduct, the Court also encourages all judges to advocate for pro bono service by attorneys,

to participate in events that honor attorneys who provide pro bono service, to write and

speak in favor of pro bono service, and to recruit attorneys to provide pro bono service.