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What is our mission? V.L.A.K.'s Mission is simple. Our staff is obligated to do all that it possibly can to find legal representation for low-income and indigent people who qualify in accordance with our program's guidelines. In addition, we must be cognizant to protect the financial interest of our panel members. V.L.A.K. will not knowingly refer anyone to a private attorney where it is clear the person has availability to resources for legal fees. We do all that we can to protect our Panel Members from being used by the system. Need Legal Assistance but can't afford an attorney? Click here to see if V.L.A.K. can help you.
2007 Domestic Violence Conference
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Cris Medaris recognized for service to the financially disadvantaged Thanks to The Hazard Herald for the Story
Hazard Attorney Frank C. Medaris, Jr., was recognized for his participation in the Volunteer Lawyers for Appalachian Kentucky Pro Bono program by the program's director, Will Snyder, Friday in the circuit courtroom. Medaris, who's pro bono work primarily consists of divorce cases, was recognized for donating 112 hours of legal services to the financially disadvantaged over the past 12 months. � "It was very nice, but I don't do if for the rewards," Medaris said. He said that he wanted to be a lawyer since the eighth grade and doing pro bono work is part of being a lawyer.� According to Medaris, pro bono work is necessary to assist those who can't afford legal services and to give something back to the community. The Kentucky Bar Association asks each attorney to donate 50 hours each year, but Medaris' 112 hours were more than twice that of any other attorney. "I wouldnt have been able to do all that I do with out my wife and legal assistant Carol who helps with a lot of the pro bono work," Medaris said. Perry Circuit Judge, Bill Engle said, "Donating legal services is very important." He also encouraged each lawyer in the courtroom to find time to donate services for free or at a reduced cost and he praised those present who had done so. A division of Appalachian Research and Defense Fund of Kentucky, commonly known as Appalred, VLAK provides direct legal services to the financially disadvantaged in 37 eastern Kentucky counties through private attorneys who are willing to donate their time. |
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