Polk County Bar Association
P: (515) 243-3904
P: (515) 243-3904

Posted on October 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM by Polk County Bar Association

October is designated by the American Bar Association as National Pro Bono Month. In Iowa, on October 20, we highlight the legacy of Chief Justice Mark Cady with the “Cady Day of Public Service.” The Cady Day of Public Service brings together members of the community to honor and celebrate Justice Cady and his commitment to public service, access to justice, and civil rights. This month, and in those ahead, please volunteer your time and support a tradition of public service within your own organization.

In furtherance of public service to our community, I would like to take this opportunity to ask each member to consider accepting a case from the PCBA Volunteer Lawyer’s Project (VLP) which matches attorneys willing to provide pro bono service to individuals in need. Iowa Rule of Professional Conduct 32:6.1 recognizes that every Iowa lawyer has a professional responsibility to provide legal services to those unable to pay. Our Rules of Conduct guide us to aspire to render at least 50 hours of pro bono public legal services per year. Please monitor the PCBA VLP Wish List and sign up to take a case like the many generous Iowa attorneys who have already done so this year.

In support of the VLP, we also want to thank everyone who participated in the latest Trivia event this year. The event brought together attorneys from firms and organizations across the community for a night of challenge, competition, fun, and fundraising! The event was a huge success and great help in continuing the important work of the PCBA VLP.

Our next member luncheon is November 14, at noon, at the ISBA conference center. Most luncheons are approved for CLE credit and all provide a meaningful opportunity to connect with fellow members of the bar and judiciary. We extend our gratitude to the many distinguished luncheon speakers who have contributed their time to promoting education and awareness within our organization and the legal profession. Such participation also follows the professional guidance of Rule 32:6.1 which calls for lawyers to provide additional services through participation in activities for improving the law, the legal system, or the legal profession.

Please explore our website to stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities for involvement. Click on the Volunteer Lawyer’s Project tab to see how you can help ensure that every client with legal needs can access the justice system. If you have ideas, need information, or want to become more involved with the PCBA, please contact me or our Executive Director, Carol Phillips.

Enjoy the fall season in Iowa. Please make some time to volunteer to help others in need. I hope to see you all often along the way.

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