Dane County Bar Association: Local attorneys celebrate one year of writing free wills for seniors and veterans

CONTACT: Christina Tenuta 608-442-3008

Local Organizations Donate Legal Services to Meet Unmet Legal Needs

MADISON – A local coalition including the State Bar of Wisconsin, Dane County Bar Association, Madison College Paralegal Program, Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR), and Community Justice Inc. is celebrating the success of the first year of a new legal clinic designed to address the justice gap in Dane County.

The Basic Estate Planning Clinic for Seniors and Veterans is modeled after a new style of attorney client representation, known as a limited-scope agreement. Under a limited-scope agreement, a client works with an attorney for a specific purpose, at a designated time – basically the attorney client relationship ends when the appointment ends. Limited scope representation is growing in popularity around the state and country in response to rising legal costs, which leave many middle and low-income people, especially senior citizens and veterans, unable to afford basic legal services. The Wisconsin Supreme Court, in the last couple of years, has also rewritten the rules on limited scope-representation, an acknowledgement of the changing landscape of the legal profession.

“This clinic came together because, as public interest attorneys, we saw a growing legal need in Dane County and felt obligated to do something about it,” stated Attorney Christina M. Tenuta, of Community Justice Inc, and one of the clinic founders. “Many people think that wills and power of attorney documents are only necessary for people with a lot of money or assets. But in fact, it is people of limited means who may need a will the most. A will is really something to create for your loved ones, as a way to save them time and money by making your wishes known,” explained Attorney Tenuta.

The Basic Estate Planning Clinic for Seniors and Veterans is completely staffed and run by volunteer attorneys and paralegals. Since the clinic launched in July of 2014, the coalition has drafted wills for nearly 50 seniors and veterans and employed over twenty attorneys and paralegals on the Campus of Madison College.

“We’re really proud to have made it through the first year and look forward to celebrating with our volunteers at our upcoming clinic on July 18, 2015,” said Attorney Tenuta. “Our goal for the second year is to reach out to more veterans in Dane County who might need a will or a power of attorney.”

Appointments are still available for the September 19th, 2015 clinic – call 608-243-2881 to schedule an appointment.

WHO: Community Justice, Inc.
Dane County Bar Association
Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR)
Madison College Paralegal Program State Bar of Wisconsin

WHAT: Basic Estate Planning Clinic for Seniors and Veterans

WHERE: Madison College, West Campus (across from West Towne Mall), 302 S. Gammon Road, Madison, WI.

WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 2015 8:30am – 12:15pm

HOW: To schedule an appointment, please call 608-261-9930.

ELIGIBILITY:
1. Age 60 or older; and
2. Have income less than:
$2,916/mo. (single)
$3,975/mo. (married)
VETERANS of any age who meet the income limit are welcome to participate