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Court Task Force Attempts To Increase Free Legal Services

Last updated on Thursday, June 19, 2014

(UNDATED) - An Indiana Supreme Court task force plans to submit recommendations next week for how to increase the amount of free legal services Hoosier attorneys donate to the poor.

The Supreme Court has already decided against mandatory pro bono services, instead asking a task force to suggest ways to implement mandatory reporting of pro bono hours when attorneys they fill out their annual registration forms online.

Indiana Tax Judge Martha Wentworth, who chairs the state Pro Bono Commission, says eight other states have gone that route, and have found the number of pro bono hours increased.

The task force is also looking at how to define pro bono work.

Wentworth anticipates any new requirements would take effect next year adding it's essential to make legal services available to all so people don't get the impression the system is tilted in favor of those with money.

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