The Metropolitan King County Council proclaimed the week of October 21 – 27 as “Celebration of Pro Bono Week” today in honor of those who volunteer their time pro bono to provide legal services to individuals and families in need.

“This is our opportunity to thank those who give their time and energy helping others. They deserve recognition and our appreciation,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, who worked as attorney prior to being elected to the Council. “Pro bono services and programs are critical to helping the most vulnerable in our community enforce their rights and protections under the law.”

“I am proud of the efforts of the members of the Washington State Bar to serve those who may not otherwise be able to afford legal services,” said Michele Radosevich, President of the Washington State Bar Association. “We appreciate the support the King County Council provides to legal aid programs, which helps leverage the many volunteer attorneys in our community.”

“Access to a legal aid attorney can help families in crisis avoid foreclosure, balk fraudulent or predatory practices, protect themselves from domestic violence, and maintain employment, healthcare and livelihood,” said Eric González, Director of the Equal Justice Coalition. “We are grateful that the King County Council recognizes the value of the work and commitment by attorneys in our community to provide these critical services.”

In 2011, over 76,000 hours of volunteer legal help was provided to over 20,000 individuals and families by Washington State attorneys. According to the Alliance for Equal Justice, a network of legal aid organizations, three out of four low‐income households in Washington State face a civil legal problem every year, and more than 80 percent of them face those problems without any legal help or representation.