Pinellas Clerk recognized for self-help services
March 15, 2011 Regular News Pinellas Clerk recognized for self-help services Serving as a gateway to the Florida court system, it is only natural that Florida’s 67 court clerks are tasked by statute to provide pro se services to the public. Despite not having dedicated funding for this service, Florida’s clerks have been proactive in providing self-help assistance in many formats: providing access to forms; public access to computers; notary, copy, and fax services; and low-cost legal consultations.“The clerk is the door to the court system,” said Ken Burke, Pinellas County clerk of court.“It only makes common sense that the clerk would be the best venue to help with the pro se process.”Burke and the Pinellas clerk’s office created a three years ago and have served more than 6,000 citizens with pro se matters. Their work is not going unnoticed.The ABA’s Standing Committee on the Delivery of Legal Services notified the Pinellas Clerk of Court this month that it has been selected as the recipient of the 2011 Louis M. Brown Award for Legal Access.The committee recognized the Pinellas Clerk’s Self Help Center for its “unique partnership between the court and private bar, and the innovative approach to scheduling attorney consultations through the Self Help Center, (offering) an exemplary model of affordable legal services programming.”Burke is honored to accept the award, and he acknowledges the value of the Self Help Center even more.“These people would have never had this opportunity to get help without the Self Help Center,” said Burke. “We are really proud of the service and what it offers to the public. The best part of my job is reading the comment cards and seeing how appreciative people are of the Self Help Center. And the best part about it is that it does not cost the taxpayer any money.”The Brown Award honors programs and projects dedicated to matching the unmet legal needs of the middle class and those of moderate incomes with lawyers who provide affordable legal information, services, and representation.The award is presented annually to those who have made creative contributions to the delivery of legal services in ways that are exemplary and replicable.Although the Pinellas Clerk’s office is one example of a clerk of court showing excellence in providing pro se services, there are many clerks across the state who are providing ministerial assistance to the public when needed. The is another good example of how the clerks are filling a much-needed role.“The court system can be frustrating and confusing, but those who access the Self Service Centers have a completely different experience,” said Sharon Bock, Palm Beach County clerk & comptroller.“Not only can you get legal advice for a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere, but you can also save time by preparing select court forms online.”Many other clerks also provide self- help services online, providing citizens with another resource. Access to Florida clerks’ individual websites is easy with the help of. Select the correct county and follow the link to each clerk’s individual website.
Pinellas Clerk recognized for self-help services