(Left to right: Back Row- Brandt Lorio, SLLS Board Member, Mark Surprenant, SLLS Board President, Beth Mizell, Louisiana State Senator, District 12, Mike Cooper, Mayor of Covington, Kathryn Mitchell, SLLS Volunteer, and Patricia Bonneau, Northshore Community Partnership Panel; Front Row- 22nd JDC Judge Dawn Amacker, Div. L, Paula Charles, SLLS Managing Attorney, Laura Tuggle, SLLS Executive Director, District 3 Judge Allison Penzato, Louisiana Court of Appeals, Div. C, Roxanne Newman, SLLS Deputy Director, and Elena Perez, SLLS Managing Attorney of Pro Bono Program.)

The Southeast Louisiana Legal Services’ (SLLS) Northshore Pro Bono Project celebrated its 10th anniversary on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019 in Covington, La. The event commemorated the untiring efforts of dedicated pro bono attorneys who have volunteered their time and skills to fight for the rights of  more than 3,506 low-income and vulnerable people on the Northshore over the last 10 years.

“The impact these bright men and women make on the community is truly remarkable,” said Roxanne Newman, SLLS Deputy Director. “It’s because of them [pro bono attorneys] that our clients can successfully move forward and rebuild their lives. Day in and day out, they’re out there fighting for a victim of domestic violence, helping a disabled veteran obtain benefits owed to them, protecting an elderly man from a wrongful eviction, and so much more.”

Guests checking in for the 10th anniversary event

In honor of these achievements, the celebration sought to inspire other attorneys and volunteers in the Northshore to stand up for equal justice. “Don’t let any body convince you that the little thing that you’re doing can’t have a big impact,” said 22nd Judicial District Attorney Warren Montgomery, one of the event’s speakers. “One ripple can cause a wave, which can lead to a big change in our community.”

The celebration included four hours of free training to help attorneys refine the skills they need to help low-income people who can’t otherwise afford an attorney. There was also a luncheon presentation to honor the accomplishments of SLLS’ pro bono attorneys and the supporters who make the Northshore Pro Bono Project possible. Special guests speakers included the Honorable Beth Mizell, Louisiana State Senator (District 12), the Honorable Mike Cooper, Mayor of the City of Covington, and six judges from the 22nd Judicial District Court (JDC).

The Honorable Beth Mizell speaking at the luncheon presentation

Over the last decade, SLLS’ Northshore Pro Bono Project has continued to expand its services to at-risk families living on the Northshore. It now coordinates six ongoing special legal clinics and partnerships. Its volunteer attorneys have donated $150,000 worth of legal services to those in need each year.

Thank you to the Legal Services Corporation, the Louisiana Bar Foundation, and to our many volunteers and supporters, including CJ’s Florist, Outback Steakhouse, Abita Roasting Company, Another Broken Egg Cafe, and Essence Linens, who helped make the celebration such a success.

(Left to Right: Mike Cooper, Mayor of Covington, and Mark Surprenant, SLLS Board President)

As SLLS looks toward the future, we are excited to continue expanding our services and fighting for justice for all on the Northshore. Check out the “Get Involved” pages on our website to learn more about how you can help make a difference in your community. If you would like to view more photos from our February event, then check out our Facebook page.

Cindy is our Northshore Pro Bono Project Coordinator. See our Facebook page for information about the fabulous prizes! Our North Shore Pro Bono Coordinator Cindy Bordonaro, hosting the ceremonies below, plus appearing with event participants.

Cindy Bordonaro with Cindy Petry of Covington

 

 

 

(Pictured From Left to Right: Shane Bryant, Amy Duncan, Gerald Issokson, Laura Tuggle, Elena Pererz, Rebecca Holmes, Deatro Carey, Doug Carey)

SHREVEPORT, La., Sept. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — On Sept. 23, 2017, the Housing Authority of the City of Shreveport(HACS) and community partners will host the first event in a series designed to assist youth with their criminal records. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions and start the process of expunging records of arrest or conviction. The goal of the series is to remove barriers that young people may face in accessing housing and employment due to a criminal record.

 

Here are photos from the August 22nd Court Improvement Day at the 22nd JDC. Cindy is our Northshore Pro Bono Project Coordinator. See our Facebook page for information about the fabulous prizes! Our North Shore Pro Bono Coordinator Cindy Bordonaro, hosting the ceremonies below, plus appearing with event participants.

Cindy Bordonaro

Cindy Bordonaro with Cindy Petry of Covington

Cindy Bordonaro with Suellen Richardson of Covington

James Knight with Cindy Bordonaro

From left: Patricia Bonneau, Judge Mary Devereux, and Cynthia M. Bordonaro

From left: Judge Mary Devereux, Judge Dawn Amacker, Cynthia M. Bordonaro, and Ernest Anderson of Slidell

For details, contact Cynthia M. Bordonaro, Esq., Pro Bono Coordinator

Check out SLLS Family Law Unit Managing Attorney Doug Carey in action (standing at left) during The Pro Bono Project’s recent CLE about serving as a curator. 

Here are some photos from last night’s SLLS fundraiser at Eiffel Society. 

From left: Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge and former SLLS attorney Bernadette D’Souza, SLLS Deputy Director Roxanne Newman, and SLLS New Orleans Family Law Unit Managing Attorney Doug Carey

From left: Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge Bernadette D’Souza, SLLS Low-Income Tax Clinic Managing Attorney Paul Tuttle, SLLS Deputy Director Roxanne Newman

Bayou Blue: go here to read about our Houma office Managing Attorney Salyria Gumms appearance June 13 at the Bayou Blue Center birthday and luncheon celebration.