Pro Bono Lawyers

Myrna Oliver’s incisive report (April 7) on the current status of pro bono publico activity by private attorneys underscores the fact that, despite the efforts of many in the private bar, millions of poor persons in this country are denied the protection of our laws because they lack competent, legal representation.

It is unrealistic to expect that pro bono efforts alone can ever meet this need, or even make up for major cuts precipitated by federal funding reductions in many publicly funded legal services programs. The volunteer contributions of private attorneys are nevertheless a vital complement to the work of poverty law agencies, and need to be encouraged.

I would like to offer as a footnote to your story that Bet Tzedek Legal Services in Los Angeles has played a leading role in advancing pro bono involvement through a unique program in which volunteer attorneys and paralegals assist needy clients under the direct guidance of a staff of specialists in poverty law.

We have a continuous need for more volunteers to help serve our large and expanding caseload, and hope that lawyers and paralegals motivated by your article consider Bet Tzedek as a potential vehicle for fulfilling their pro bono responsibilities.

MICHAEL FEUER

Executive Director

Bet Tzedek

Legal Services

Los Angeles