March 2010, Issue 1 (Downloadable PDF)

The Legal Project

Pro Bono Corner
Lisa A. Frisch, Executive Director

Announcing The Legal Project's New
Reduced Fee Matrimonial Program

Tonya, a domestic violence survivor, needs a divorce. She supports herself and her two girls on about $52,000 a year, faithfully paying the mortgage every month for the home she and her husband purchased about ten years ago. There’s rarely anything left over out of her paychecks. She makes too much for pro bono services but isn’t sure how she could save enough for the retainer and hourly rates of most matrimonial attorneys. Even attorneys who take reduced fee referrals have declined to take her case - it could be months before Tonya will have the funds to replenish her retainer and pay even a reduced hourly rate, and there are some modest assets that need to be distributed.

IUp until recently, Tonya would have been effectively shut out of representation, but now she can turn to the Legal Project’s Reduced Fee Matrimonial Program. The program will provide matrimonial representation to victims of domestic violence for a flat fee, filling a niche that has largely been unmet by traditional legal services. The fee will be determined at the outset based on the complexity of the case, and clients will have the certainty of knowing what their total legal fees will be from the start.

As a victim of domestic violence, Tonya is especially happy that her husband will not be able to use the system as one more weapon against her by racking up her legal fees as he has so often threatened to do. She will also benefit from being represented by an experienced attorney who understands the complex legal, financial, emotional and safety issues faced by domestic violence survivors, as well as the support of the experienced and caring Legal Project staff.

Interested clients can call us directly at 435-1770 for more information.

The Legal Project:
A 2009 Capital District Business Review
Best Places to Work Award Winner!

On December 3, 2009 The Legal Project staff attended a luncheon at the Crowne Plaza to celebrate a significant achievement – being honored as one of the Capital Region’s Best Places to Work. We earned this distinction by being one of the top scoring companies on an employee attitude survey completed by our staff.

This annual award honors companies that have created a positive work environment. This award was a wonderful way to recognize our team for their outstanding contribution to making The Legal Project a fun, challenging and rewarding place to work.

Thank you for volunteering in January!