Category: News

The Scott County Volunteer Lawyers Project* is a joint program of the Scott County Bar Association and the HELP Regional Office of Iowa Legal Aid, and has existed since 1981 for the purpose of involving the private bar in assisting low income persons with legal matters involving basic human needs. Approximately 160 attorneys currently participate in the program. This program is the product of a longstanding relationship between the private bar and the HELP Regional Office in attempting to more fully meet the legal needs of the poor.

Attorneys who donated 50 or more hours in 2016 include Abby Furlong, James Greenwood, Sandra Madsen, Tommy Miller, and Sam Skorepa. James, Sandra, and Tommy currently volunteer in-house at the HELP Regional Office. Tommy has been volunteering since 2004, and has donated over 12,000 hours in total.

Each year the William B. Waterman Volunteer Attorney of the Year Award is presented by the Scott County Bar Association to an individual attorney who exemplifies service through pro bono work.

The 2017 recipient is Michael J. McCarthy. Seventh Judicial District Chief Judge Marlita Greve commented, “If there was a lifetime achievement award, it would go to Mike. Although the old records no longer exist, we think Mike has been assisting clients since the beginning of the Pro Bono Project in 1981. Mike doesn’t say ‘no’ when he is contacted about a referral, and generally takes one or more cases per year. In the last 6 years, Mike has accepted 10 cases, donating over 120 hours, not including the time spent on his 2 current open cases. Almost all of the cases have been contested family law custody or divorce cases, involving either abuse of the children or abuse of his client. In a recent client survey, the client wrote: ‘It was handled awesome. Mike is a great attorney.’ We agree.”

Congratulations, Mike, for winning the 2017 William B. Waterman Volunteer Attorney of the Year Award.

*To sign up for the Scott County Volunteer Lawyers Project, contact Bob Heimer at the HELP Regional Office of Iowa Legal Aid (563-322-6216 ext 1913), the Scott County Bar Association (www.scottcountybar.org) or register online at www.probono.net/iowa/volunteer/.

[Pictured: Bob Heimer, Joan McCarthy, Mike McCarthy, and Chief Judge Marlita Greve]

On May 1, 2017, Matt McDermott was awarded the United Way of Central Iowa’s 2017 Individual Volunteer Award for his volunteer leadership on the issue of homelessness and the significant time he gives to central Iowans in need of support. Matt is a managing partner at Belin McCormick. He also serves as Vice-President of Iowa Legal Aid’s Board of Directors. He is currently serving on the Boards of Directors for Polk County Homeless Continuum of Care, and Montessori Children’s House. Matt has previously been involved with Central Iowa Shelter & Services, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Iowa, and the HOLA Center (Hispanic Outreach and Legal Assistance).

Iowa Legal Aid’s Executive Director, Dennis Groenenboom said, “Matt has a deep commitment to making Iowa a better place, and he brings that to bear for the Iowans who are the most vulnerable. Matt’s a serious runner, he runs marathons, and I think to a certain extent, that is a skill and a talent that he brings to this effort as well.”

Matt commented that part of the fun is the challenge. He recognized that the things we are doing can be hard and disappointing, but there is a joy at the end of the day that comes from overcoming adversities. He added that the volunteer opportunities have given him an outlet to take on the tough challenges faced by Iowans.

Thank you, and congratulations, Matt, on this well-deserved award!

More information about Matt and this award can be found at www.unitedwaydm.org

A $5,000 grant from Prairie Meadows enabled Iowa Legal Aid to purchase a new digital color high volume photocopier for its Central Administrative Office in Des Moines. The new copier incorporates faxing, along with scanning and printing, and has the ability to print from mobile devices. Iowa Legal Aid’s previous copier was purchased in 2008 and had over 881,000 copies. This new equipment will help Iowa Legal Aid staff provide more efficient and effective service to clients and help in the preparation of community legal education, outreach and fundraising materials. Staff had the following to say about the new copier:

“I am very happy to no longer have paper jams several times a day. I can also use colored paper of various weights for special projects.”

“It is so nice to have a fax and copier machine in one.  As a result, we have more counter space to use now, and its especially helpful when preparing mailings.”

“I am so pleased to have the opportunity print reports in color.”

Iowa Legal Aid’s Legal Hotline for Older Iowans also received a $10,000 grant from Prairie Meadows to conduct two, three-hour, elder law seminars. The first seminar was held on March 23, 2017 and the second seminar was held on April 27, 2017. The first seminar provided information about Medicaid eligibility for nursing home and in-home services; Medicaid managed care issues, including appeal and grievance rights; and protecting yourself from abuse and financial exploitation. The second seminar taught people about the rights of nursing home residents, end-of-life planning issues and protecting yourself from consumer scams and deceptive practices. The seminars included speakers from the Iowa Department on Aging, the Iowa Attorney General’s Office and Iowa Legal Aid. A few of the specific comments about the seminars were:

“Great information. Knowledge is power. Thanks for holding these seminars.”

“Excellent presentations.”

“This was incredibly helpful. Thanks so much for providing this.”

“I learned a lot. This seminar was very informational. Enjoyed it, wonderful training.”

Iowa Legal Aid received a $5,000 grant award from Wells Fargo to establish a Community Economic Development Project in Iowa. The project will assist low-income entrepreneurs wishing to start or further develop small businesses in an effort to lift themselves out of poverty. Under this project, Iowa Legal Aid will provide legal advice on business formation, real estate acquisition, contract negotiation drafting transactional documents such as articles of incorporation or partnership agreements, providing tax advice and assistance, and other legal matters entrepreneurs confront. The project will help provide financial stability to clients served as well as impact economically depressed areas by reducing barriers inhibiting the growth of small businesses and replacing vacant storefronts with thriving enterprise.

[Pictured above are Sarabeth Anderson from Wells Fargo and Dennis Groenenboom, Executive Director of Iowa Legal Aid]

The trial of the Three Bears v. Goldilocks took place on Wednesday November 25, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. at the Kossuth County Courthouse. The four 2^nd grade classes from Bryant School were in attendance. Twelve students volunteered to become Jurors in the case. Local Attorneys Ryan Buske, Conrad Meis and Stephanie Miller participated as the Judge, Counsel for Gold E Locks and The Three Bears respectively. The Bears were Papa Bear – Adam Denner, Mama Bear – Dana Haverkamp, Baby Bear – Carson Simpson and Gold E Locks – Brooke Boettcher. The children participated in jury selection, opening and closing statements of the attorneys and listened closely to the testimony of all the witnesses. The attorneys also cross-examined the witnesses. Evidence was admitted by Judge Buske including a broken chair, the bowls used by the Three Bears and a pillow with yellow hair caught in it (presumably from Ms. Gold E Locks).

The children comprising the jury were invited to the Jury room to deliberate. The Jury found Gold E Locks guilty of bad manners. There was general class discussion about what evidence the students relied upon in coming to their verdict.

The actors are students at Algona High School who volunteered for the trial. Many thanks go out to the attorneys, students and teachers for their enthusiasm and hard work.

Thanks also go out to the Kossuth County Clerk of Court who graciously set the courtroom aside for this educational experience.