Hamilton County’s “Lawyer in the Library” program has been scheduled for October 17, with additional dates already set through the end of this year. The program, which will take place at the McCoy Memorial Library located at 130 South Washington Street, McLeansboro provides a licensed attorney for twenty-minute sessions to assist individuals with free legal coaching, document review, questions regarding electronic filing, and referrals. These free services are made possible by grant funding obtained by the Office of the Chief Judge for the Second Judicial Circuit from the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice and the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts.
Local Attorney Shannon Appleton has been selected to partner with the program and sessions have now been scheduled through the end of year from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm on the following dates: October 17, November 14, and December 12.
Pre-registration is recommended but not required. To register in advance, please contact the McCoy Memorial Library at (618) 643-2125. Participants are asked to bring all paperwork related to their legal questions with them and sign in at the desk upon arrival at the library. Services will be provided for civil issues, including but not limited to dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, landlord/tenant, guardianship, small claims, and probate.
Attorney Appleton shared her feelings on serving in this capacity, stating, “An unfortunate reality is that there are many people with legal issues that fall through the cracks so to speak, as even an hour consultation with a private attorney can cost hundreds of dollars. Many of our community members are not able to pay a lawyer $200 to answer a 20 minute question, so the small and sometimes easily fixable legal issues snowball into giant dilemmas. This program is designed to make sure everyone is given an opportunity to address their legal issues before they become real obstacles in their lives. It gives lawyers like me the incredible opportunity to give back to the community, and it is an honor to do my small part to help this program continue to grow and thrive.” For more information, please contact the McCoy Memorial Library at (618) 643-2125 or the Office of the Chief Judge for the Second Judicial Circuit at (618) 244-8036.
Pictured: “Lawyer in the Library” McLeansboro Program Attorney Shannon Appleton
