FORT MYERS, Fla. - TelAve -- The top two attorneys and seven volunteer lawyers affiliated with the Lee County Legal Aid Society are among more than 30 "legal superstars" being honored for their work on behalf of low-income county residents in need of legal aid.

The Lee County Bar Association's annual Pro Bono Award winners included local judges, court officials and attorneys in private practice. The 31 honorees share one common trait: a commitment to dedicating their time and energy on behalf of those unable to afford an attorney on their own.

Unlike in criminal law, there is no constitutional right to counsel in civil law, which includes landlord-tenant disputes, foreclosures, evictions, probate, debt collection, child custody cases, domestic violence orders of protection and more.

Executive Director Andrew Banyai and Legal Director Blair DeMinico both received recognition for their efforts "for the public good." Additionally, seven more local attorneys in private practice were honored for their volunteer work on behalf of Lee County Legal Aid Society: Maria Alaimo, Lisa Gelman, Carlena Hull, Susan Larned, Kristianna Soto and Frank and Patty Talty.

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Alaimo, Hull and the Taltys are repeat winners, part of a volunteer corps that collectively donates about 1,000 hours a year of their time.

"Public recognition for the pro-bono contributions of local lawyers, judges and court administrators is gratifying, but shouldn't overshadow the reasons why such efforts are so sorely needed," Banyai said. "It's vital that we continue working to narrow the access to justice gap for those who otherwise wouldn't have access to legal representation."

Those efforts include removing some of the institutional hurdles that can prevent those in need of civil legal aid from seeking help.

Such programs include "Law at the Library," which pairs volunteer attorneys with county residents ages 50 and older at quarterly sessions at the downtown Fort Myers library; and a weekly Self-Help Center, in partnership with the Lee County Clerk of Court's Office, whichmatches clients with volunteer lawyers for free, 20-minute Zoom consultations.

Lee County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller Kevin Karnes was also honored with a 2024 Pro Bono Award from the Lee County Bar Association, which was joined by Lee County Legal Aid Society and Florida Rural Legal Services as event sponsors.

For more information on Lee County Legal Aid Society, visit www.leecountylegalaid.org or call 239-334-6118.