JALA Pro Bono Program

Smith, Gambrell & Russell attorney Lisa Rhein Carrasco was recognized for exceptional pro bono service in 2009 by the Supreme Court of Florida and the Young Lawyers Division of The Florida Bar, in conjunction with the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. (JALA). She and paralegal Virginia Mecabe provided over 100 hours of pro bono service to JALA.

The JALA pro bono program provides free legal services to thousands of low-income individuals. It continues to be a critical resource dedicated to closing the justice gap and ensuring that legal representation is available to all regardless of ability to pay. JALA attorneys and advocates handle cases involving community development, consumer, education, family law, elder law, employment and unemployment, housing, health, public benefits, mental health, and immigration issues.