Congratulations to our long-time pro bono volunteer James Howard Turner, Esq., who recently was honored with The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award for 2021 for the 12th Judicial Circuit.
Mr. Turner began volunteering with Legal Aid of Manasota in 2013. Over the past seven years, he has donated more than 1,582 pro bono hours—valued at over $315,000. He has assisted 978 clients with their legal issues, such as collections, evictions, contracts, and general civil matters.
Mr. Turner continues to come to the Legal Aid office for a full day each week to meet with clients and assist them with their legal issues. Without his time and expertise, many of these people would have nowhere else to turn for help. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, he continues to work with our clients in non-traditional ways in order to ensure they receive the services they so desperately need. It is truly inspiring to have someone so generous with their time and so dedicated to providing equal access to justice in our community.
When asked about his pro bono service, Mr. Turner said, “Our clients tell me how grateful they are and how much they have been helped. If only they knew the rest of the story! I am blessed to be in their presence and to provide them counsel. When I leave our office at the end of what is often a long day, I am grateful that Legal Aid has repurposed my career. Pro bono advocacy has been the most fulfilling chapter of my legal life.”
Legal Aid of Manasota and the clients we serve are so fortunate to have such a knowledgeable, compassionate, and committed attorney preserving the ideal of “equal access to justice.”
It is a privilege to serve our neighbors in Sarasota and Manatee counties and work alongside pro bono attorneys like Jim Turner. All donations to Legal Aid of Manasota stay local and allow pro bono attorneys like Jim to work with clients earlier in the process before they must turn to other social services. Please support their work: donate here.