In remembering Martin Luther King Jr.’s words — “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” — we are reminded of the profound impact of giving back to our community.
Recognizing the critical need for legal assistance, especially for those facing challenges without the means to hire an attorney or access limited legal aid, attorneys across Alaska will observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as “A Day On, Not a Day Off” by generously volunteering their time for the 15th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day legal clinics.
This statewide initiative will be held on Jan. 15 and seeks to address the legal needs of thousands of Alaskans, fostering equal access to justice.
Alaskans with civil legal problems can expect firstcome, first-serve consultations with an attorney at these free in-person clinics in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and Bethel.
Attorneys will be available to provide advice on a wide variety of issues, including family law (child support, custody, divorce, guardianship), housing (eviction, foreclosure), public benefits (Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security), employment, personal injury, probate, estate planning and Native allotments.
Alaskans with low or moderate incomes can also submit legal questions at alaska.freelegalanswers.org. This free legal clinic is available any time of the year but will have extra staffing on MLK Day to serve those unable to attend one of the in-person clinics.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Legal Clinics are sponsored by the Alaska Bar Association, the Alaska Court System, and Alaska Legal Services Corp. and honor King’s spirit of service and advocacy for equality and social justice.
Times and locations will vary by community. For more information, visit www.alaskabar.org/mlk.
— Becky Kruse
Pro Bono Service Committee chair, Alaska Bar Association
Anchorage
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