This month, I was deeply saddened by the passing of Judge Robert B. Bennett, Jr. His life and leadership inspired me personally and continue to guide the way I think about justice, service, and responsibility to our community.
Judge Bennett was a tireless advocate for pro bono service in the 12th Judicial Circuit, and he believed—without hesitation—that justice should never depend on whether someone can afford an attorney. His example strengthened my own commitment to serving low-income residents of Sarasota and Manatee counties who otherwise would have no access to legal help.
Access to an attorney is access to justice. When people face eviction, domestic violence, loss of benefits, or family instability, the legal system can feel overwhelming and out of reach. Judge Bennett understood that reality deeply. Through his leadership, he challenged attorneys to step forward, to use their skills in service of others, and to help build a more fair and humane system. His generosity, persistence, and belief in pro bono service left a lasting imprint on our community—and on me.
I am also profoundly grateful for the many pro bono attorneys who carry forward that legacy every day, donating their time, talent, and compassion to help our neighbors find stability and hope. I am equally grateful to our supporters, whose generosity makes this work possible, and to our clients, whose courage humbles me. Seeking legal help often means stepping outside one’s comfort zone at a moment of great stress.
As we look ahead, next year marks 35 years of Legal Aid of Manasota serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. These are the only two communities we serve, and that is by design. We were founded by local lawyers to meet local needs, and we have remained focused on our own community ever since. This is our back yard. These are our neighbors. Every dollar given stays here, strengthening families and protecting stability close to home.
As we celebrate our 35th-year milestone, I also celebrate Judge Bennett’s enduring inspiration, our pro bono partners and supporters, and the clients who place their trust in us. Together, we are ensuring that justice remains local, accessible, and within reach—right here in the community we all call home.
With gratitude,
Linda Harradine, Esq.
CEO, Legal Aid of Manasota
If you’d like to support our mission:
- Give through the Flanzer Trust website (your gift may be matched)
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