Program Highlight: Civil Legal Advice Line
Currently, the Legal Clinic holds intake sessions for new clients to come speak with an attorney in thirteen of Indiana’s counties: Allen, Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Huntington, Jefferson, Johnson, Lake, Marion, Morgan, Shelby, and Vigo. But for those who live outside of these counties—unless a client is able to drive a distance—free legal advice has been more elusive.
Roger Rayburn, Director of Outreach, says that the Clinic realized they were missing the chance to serve an important segment of the Hoosier population. And so, the Civil Legal Advice Line was borne. Through this new program, Roger says, “We can offer basically the same services we can at any intake.”
The Civil Legal Advice Line is beautiful in its simplicity: For those who live outside of the counties the Clinic serves with on-site intakes, clients can now call 1-877-230-7521 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. During this call, they can speak with an attorney and receive free legal information and advice.
Roger believes there are many benefits to expanding the Clinic’s reach in this manner, but perhaps the biggest one is how non-threatening it is. He says, “[Clients] don’t feel as exposed, but they know when they’re calling ... they’re actually speaking to an attorney.”
Right now, the biggest challenge facing the Civil Legal Advice Line is simply that people do not yet know it exists. Roger stresses the importance of spreading the word, saying, “If there are people in any way connected to a church—a civic group, another non-profit—in communities outside of Marion County, then we definitely want to get information to them, whether it be flyers or business cards, so they can hand those out.” Roger is certain this new service will catch on and is excited by the opportunities it affords. Now, through the Civil Legal Advice Line, the Clinic has the chance to reach statewide, ensuring there are no longer pockets of un-served people in need.
If you would like more information about the Civil Legal Advice Line, visit http://www.nclegalclinic.org/Services/CivilLegalAdviceLine.aspx. If you would like to help spread the word, please contact Director of Outreach, Roger Rayburn, at rrayburn@nclegalclinic.org to request flyers.