Thanks to the efforts of our volunteers, Mission First Legal Aid Office provided more than 2,700 hours of pro bono legal aid to 913 qualified persons either through advice and counsel, representation, or referral during the reporting period August 1, 2007 through July 31, 2008. In addition to assisting persons with typical legal problems facing the poor, the Legal Aid Office again offered a Tax Preparation Assistance Clinic to encourage qualified residents to use the free e-file software and to receive their refund by direct deposit as an alternative to high interest rate “rapid refund” loans. Twenty-seven (27) persons e-filed their returns at the Tax Clinic during January, February and March. Another need identified and met by the Legal Aid Office is free notarizations for those in the community. One hundred (100) persons received this service during the reporting period.

Thank you, Students, for partnering with us to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves!”

Top Student Volunteers in each Class in terms of hours donated are:

Third Year: Will Edwards
Will took the laboring oar on setting up the Tax Clinic in 2007 and 2008. Our project goal for the Tax Clinic is to encourage qualified residents to use the free e-file software and receive their refund by direct deposit as an alternative to high interest rate “rapid refund” loans. This approach seeks to empower individuals to become proficient in filing their own tax returns.
In 2007, 14 persons used the service and in 2008, 25 persons efiled their returns at the Tax Clinic. Will trained volunteers, secured permission from TurboTax to use its software, and developed the protocol for the Clinic. He also helped with publicity and assisted taxpayers on Saturday mornings.

Second Year: Misti Landry
Misti donated over 60 hours. She coordinated the work schedule for the students and delegated research projects.

First Year: Jonathan Hyatt
Jon donated over 25 hours to the Legal Aid Office while meeting the demands of being a first year law student.

Again, thank you Students for your willingness to help. You are an integral part of the Mission First Legal Aid Office.

2007-2008 Student Volunteers

2007 Volunteer Attorney of the Year: Renee Harrison

Renee Harrison received her B.S. from Millsaps College ('86) and her J.D. from Mississippi College School of Law ('01). She is a solo practitioner in Hazlehurst, Mississippi focusing on criminal, civil and family law. She also serves as a public defender in Copiah County.

Giving over 39 hours of pro bono legal services, Renee's contribution to the Legal Aid Office is extraordinary. She believes strongly in the mission of the Legal Aid Office. "Living in a small town presents me with the unique opportunity to help many people with problems that seem small to us but loom quite large in their
lives. Often, they need only a few telephone calls or letters to help resolve their situation, but having to pay for the services of an attorney would break their monthly budget, which is already tight. As we all know,
pro bono clients are truly grateful for the assistance they receive from lawyers who willingly donate their time and helping these clients brings us more rewards than money. I am a firm believer in Luke 12:48: 'To whom much is given, much is expected.' We all fall into that category and not necessarily in a monetary sense. We have been given gifts like intelligence, perseverance, diligence, and compassion, and we must use them
to help those less fortunate. I applaud Mission First and all of the lawyers across Mississippi who donated time this past year to help our fellow man and urge all of you to donate a few hours each month for pro bono
clients."

Student Volunteers of the Year: Spence Young (3L), Will Edwards (2L) and Lauren Cliatt (1L)

Spence Young donated 54 hours as Student Volunteer Coordinator and performing legal research.

Will Edwards' prior experience as an accountant proved invaluable in setting up the first Tax Preparation Assistance Clinic offered by the Legal Aid Office. He dedicated 63 hours in planning and implementing the Tax Clinic.

As a first year student, Lauren Cliatt gave 29 hours to the Legal Aid Office completing Intake Forms, assisting attorneys during interviews, and researching legal issues.