New JusticeCorps Program Offering Free Legal Help in McLean County
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: March 20, 2013
BLOOMINGTON - For many people in need of legal assistance, navigating the system can be confusing.
But a new program at the McLean County Law and Justice Center is making life a little easier during times of trouble.
JusticeCorps:
Annette Rauch is local college student, who's exploring a legal career.
"I really want to help people," said Rauch. "That's why I'm here."
On most days she can be found in the library of the McLean County Law and Justice Center eager to answer questions that often crop up in the court system.
"What paperwork needs to be filled out or how to start getting a divorce or modifying child support," Rauch explained.
She's a JusticeCorps volunteer.
It's a program on a mission to help civil cases.
"Guardianship, child support, visitation," listed Rauch. "If people are infringing on your rights, I think it's important you act on that."
Volunteers say law language can be confusing, and when people need help it's difficult to know where to start.
That's why they're willing to lend a hand.
"Part of the legal profession, a very important part of it is pro bono work and public service," said Jon Legg.
Legg is also JusticeCorps member.
He hopes to rise to the task of becoming a lawyer, and says the effort is a great way to start.
"In law school you learn about the theory, you learn about the over arching ideas, but this is what actually happens," said Legg.
By assisting those in a time when life itself can be a little hectic...
"You need to go file this; you need to go to this person. You have this fee, if you can't afford this fee, you know this is the form you need to fill out," Legg explained.
The volunteers hope a simple decision to stop by with questions will create a better outcome for those in need of support.
"We are so excited to be helping people," said Rauch.
But a new program at the McLean County Law and Justice Center is making life a little easier during times of trouble.
JusticeCorps:
Annette Rauch is local college student, who's exploring a legal career.
"I really want to help people," said Rauch. "That's why I'm here."
On most days she can be found in the library of the McLean County Law and Justice Center eager to answer questions that often crop up in the court system.
"What paperwork needs to be filled out or how to start getting a divorce or modifying child support," Rauch explained.
She's a JusticeCorps volunteer.
It's a program on a mission to help civil cases.
"Guardianship, child support, visitation," listed Rauch. "If people are infringing on your rights, I think it's important you act on that."
Volunteers say law language can be confusing, and when people need help it's difficult to know where to start.
That's why they're willing to lend a hand.
"Part of the legal profession, a very important part of it is pro bono work and public service," said Jon Legg.
Legg is also JusticeCorps member.
He hopes to rise to the task of becoming a lawyer, and says the effort is a great way to start.
"In law school you learn about the theory, you learn about the over arching ideas, but this is what actually happens," said Legg.
By assisting those in a time when life itself can be a little hectic...
"You need to go file this; you need to go to this person. You have this fee, if you can't afford this fee, you know this is the form you need to fill out," Legg explained.
The volunteers hope a simple decision to stop by with questions will create a better outcome for those in need of support.
"We are so excited to be helping people," said Rauch.
