For seasoned lawyers, emeritus status offers a path to pro bono service

A Florida Bar committee is hoping to raise the profile of “emeritus” lawyers, seasoned professionals who dedicate years of legal experience to pro bono service.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Catherine Peek McEwen sums up the initiative by issuing a general call to arms on behalf of the Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services that she co-chairs.

“If you are, or know of a law professor, judge, in-house counsel, or lawyer retired from Florida or another state who has a heart for service, learn more about obtaining emeritus status to provide pro bono service in Florida under the supervision of a qualified legal aid organization.”

More information is available here.

At the heart of the committee’s new recruitment drive is a “Pro Bono Emeritus Spotlight,” short biographies celebrating emeritus lawyers that the committee will post regularly.

The inaugural spotlight features Marc Taps, a veteran lawyer with Legal Services of North Florida.

“After more than three decades of dedicated service to Legal Service of North Florida (LSNF), Marc Taps continues his commitment to access to justice as an Emeritus Attorney,” the spotlight notes.

During his years of volunteer work, Taps handled approximately 2,400 cases and contributed 1,200 hours of pro bono service through his emeritus work, the spotlight notes. His practice areas include consumer, bankruptcy, foreclosure, family law, landlord-tenant, “and other matters impacting the stability and well-being of low-income clients.”

Nearly a decade ago, the Florida Supreme Court amended procedural rules to encourage more inactive and retired attorneys, among others, to provide pro bono service.

The amendments, which took effect in 2018, expanded eligibility. Certain law professors, judges, in-house counsel, and lawyers retired from Florida or other states may qualify.

Generally, attorneys must not be currently engaged in the practice of law in Florida or elsewhere, must have been engaged in the active practice of law for a minimum of 10 out of 15 years, and must have been a member in good standing of The Florida Bar or other entity governing the practice of law. Emeritus lawyers work under the supervision of a qualified legal aid organization.

Other requirements can be found in Chapter 12 of the rules.

Sponsors recommend contacting a local legal aid organization to help determine eligibility.

 

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