- The Florida Bar announced on Tuesday that it is launching an educational resource platform for Florida residents
- The platform aims to educate and assist those seeking legal counsel
- Through the program website, users are redirected to a series of resource links covering tasks like finding a lawyer as well educational documents and pamphlets
- Legal topics that participants can be assisted through include real estate transactions, drafting a will, handling employment disputes, dealing with an insurance claim, filing for divorce, starting a business, and obtaining guardianship, among others
The Florida Bar announced a new initiative on Tuesday that provides state residents with educational resources on how to hire lawyers, where to find lawyers that meet specific needs, and navigating the legal system.
The “Life’s Legal Moments,” initiative will serve as a public education program that aims to help Floridians understand when and how to access legal counsel.
The program, spearheaded by Florida Bar President Gary Lesser, is designed to offer public guidance when navigating instances that necessitate retaining counsel to evaluate and help pursue legal work.
“The ability of the legal profession to serve the public is essential to what we do as lawyers,” said Lesser. “With our experience and knowledge of legal proceedings and of the complications that often occur within it, we know hiring a lawyer can help someone and their family increases the odds of better outcomes. It’s imperative [that] the public we serve recognize this as well, and why Life’s Legal Moments is designed to help every Floridian understand that professional guidance is important and needed.”
Through the program website, users can be redirected to a series of third-party platforms for tasks such as finding a lawyer as well as an abundance of explanatory educational documents and pamphlets.
Further, the site explains what The Florida Bar is and how it operates within the legal system.
“We will also be working closely with the Board of Governors and the Bar’s Citizens Advisory Committee to share informational materials to the many community groups and citizens with whom they interact every day,” continued Lesser. “Collectively, Florida lawyers can spread the word and ensure Floridians consult with legal counsel on important legal matters to better protect their interests.”
According to the Florida Bar, legal topics that participants can be assisted through include real estate transactions, drafting a will, handling employment disputes, dealing with an insurance claim, filing for divorce, starting a business, and obtaining guardianship, among others.
A survey conducted by Breakthrough Research in June found that 75 percent of Floridians have faced a civil legal issue in the last decade, while 91 percent believe retaining a lawyer would better protect their rights.