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Lawyers in Libraries: 

For the past 11 years, the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Louisiana Library Association, and the State Library of Louisiana have hosted “Lawyers in Libraries” events during National Celebrate Pro Bono Week. During this week, LSBA attorneys and libraries across Louisiana come together to provide free, limited services to the public. Events will take place October 21-26, 2024.  

Lawyers in Libraries Event Format

  • Ask-a-Lawyer Consultations at the Library: As in the past, patrons will be able to meet with attorneys in their local libraries for brief, 15-20 minute “Ask-a-Lawyer” consultations. Attorneys will answer civil legal questions and connect participants to further free and low-cost resources.

  • Ask-a-Lawyer Phone Consultations: During COVID-19, we introduced phone consultations as a way to continue the program while we couldn’t meet in person, but we learned that they are a great option for attorneys and patrons alike who may not be able to get to the library for an event. Check with your local library to see how to sign up or you can sign up online when registration opens. 

  • Facebook Workshops: We will host virtual webinars, called "Law Talks", on our Facebook page on timely legal issues throughout the week of the program. Past topics have included divorce and custody, successions and estate planning, bankruptcy, and more. We encourage you to follow our Facebook page to receive notifications about upcoming events.

 
'Law Talks' Educational Series 

The Access to Justice Commission's Justice For All Project has launched a "Law Talks" educational series, which are virtual presentations on important legal topics hosted quarterly by legal aid & volunteer attorneys. Presentations will be via Zoom & streamed on the Louisiana Lawyers in Libraries Facebook page. Also, you can check with your local library to see if they are hosting an in-person watch party. Click here for our list of 2024 Law Talks events. Upcoming events are listed below.

September 18, 2024 
5:30PM-6:30PM
Law Talks:
Tenant Rights & Obligations
Zoom registration or attend via Facebook Live.
October 21, 2024
12:00-1:00PM
Law Talks: 
Eviction Defenses
  (Lawyers in Libraries Week)
Zoom registration or attend via Facebook Live.
October 22, 2024
12:00-1:00PM
Law Talks: 
Service Animals 
  (Lawyers in Libraries Week)  
Zoom registration or attend via Facebook Live.
October 23, 2024
12:00-1:00PM
Law Talks: 
Disaster Preparedness
  (Lawyers in Libraries Week)
Zoom registration or attend via Facebook Live.
October 24, 2024
12:00-1:00PM
Law Talks: 
How to Navigate Online Legal Resources 
  (Lawyers in Libraries Week)
Zoom registration or attend via Facebook Live.
October 25, 2024
12:00-1:00PM
Law Talks:
Legal Issues Affecting Seniors and Those Who Love Them
  (Lawyers in Libraries Week)
Zoom registration or attend via Facebook Live.
November 13, 2024
12:00-1:00PM
Law Talks: 
Child Custody & Visitation

Zoom registration or attend via Facebook Live.
December 4, 2024
12:00–1:00 PM
Law Talks: 
Navigating Online Civil Legal Resources
Zoom registration or attend via Facebook Live.
For more information about and Law Talks, contact Stephanie Beaugh or Rachael Mills.


Lawyers in Libraries Resources

These resources are available year-round:


About the LEAP Program

"Lawyers in Libraries" events are hosted annually by the Legal Education & Assistance Program (LEAP). LEAP is designed to help people find information about their legal issues as well as identify resources, services, and attorneys in their area. LEAP is a partnership of the LSBA, LSU Law Library, Law Library of Louisiana, Louisiana Library Association, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, State Library of Louisiana, and individual public libraries across the state.

In addition to the "Lawyers in Libraries" events in October, legal resources can be found year-round through the Find Legal Help Portal or by selecting your parish from the drop-down below. Resources listed include:

  • Legal aid and Pro Bono Organizations: these groups may be able to represent you depending on your legal issue if you cannot afford representation. However, financial eligibility requirements apply, and attorneys are not always available.

  • Resources for Self-Represented Litigants: It is difficult to go to court without an attorney and you will not receive assistance in the courtroom because you don’t have an attorney. However, some courts may have services available to help you beforehand. Click on your parish below to find services in your area. LouisianaLawHelp.org also offers information for self-represented litigants throughout the state.

  • LA.FreeLegalAnswers.org: this is a website that allows you to ask legal questions online, and volunteer attorneys will respond. Please note that financial eligibility requirements apply, and the site is for civil (non-criminal) legal issues only.

For Self-Help Services by Parish - Click on your parish below to find services in your area.

Louisiana State Bar Association
601 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70130
(800) 421-LSBA(5722) / (504) 566-1600