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February 3, 2020
Attorney spotlight: Loring Jones, III
Loring Jones, III has been a dedicated attorney volunteer for more than 10 years.
Loring Jones, III has volunteered at VLB Help Desks for nearly 10 years—which only scratches the surface of his work on behalf of VLB clients. Behind the scenes, he’s settled or tried more pro bono cases than he can count. We asked Loring what drives his unique commitment to pro bono work.  
 
Why do you volunteer with VLB?

Inherent with every law degree comes a promise to serve the greater good. This is one of the best programs I have ever found to serve the greater good.
What stands out as your favorite or most impactful pro bono case?  

About 35 years ago, when I was getting started, I volunteered at family court. I was the guardian ad litem in a case that went to the Supreme Court three times. At the end of the case, Judge Bell gave me a $35 fee, and that's at least the most memorable pro bono case I have ever handled.
 
I saw a case where you intervened on behalf of a client by calling a family member to get the client's furniture returned to her. You must have singular people skills, given how prickly family conflicts can be. 

I have always been amazed (and this is not ego) that a simple letter or phone call from an attorney can, and does, often work wonders.
Join VLB at Project Homeless Connect!
Hundreds of people experiencing homelessness will receive life-changing services at Project Homeless Connect, set for Saturday, February 29 at Boutwell Auditorium.
How can an attorney help people experiencing homelessness?

This month presents a great opportunity to find out. On Saturday, February 29, One Roof , the umbrella organization for homeless services in the Birmingham metro area, will host its annual Project Homeless Connect (PHC) at Boutwell Auditorium. Dozens of agencies provide a variety of services to approximately 600 of the Birmingham area’s most vulnerable citizens free of charge. 

VLB is recruiting attorney volunteers for that day to provide legal assistance, joining with local municipal and county judges and other court officials to help remove legal barriers to regaining a driver’s license or state non-driver’s ID card. The lack of a license or state ID is a major hurdle to many people experiencing homelessness as they try to obtain employment and housing.

If you are interested in volunteering, VLB will be hosting a CLE/training for PHC Thursday, February 20 at the Birmingham Bar Center.

Email us for more information or to sign up as a volunteer. It’s an experience you won’t forget!   
VLB announces new Board of Directors
VLB is proud to have a Board of Directors comprised of leaders in the field with a strong belief in the value of pro bono work. Please join us in welcoming the 2020 Board.
Patrick Darby
President
Patrick Darby
Encompass Health
Vice President
Russ Allison
Carr Allison
Secretary
Kathy Collier
Maynard
Treasurer
Jay Bender
Bradley
Board Member
LaBella Alvis
Christian & Small
Board Member
The Hon. John Carroll
Cumberland School of Law
Board Member
Tiffany Graves
Bradley
Board Member
Scott Grover
Balch
Board Member
Melinda Guillaume
Board Member
Richard Keller
Burr Forman
Board Member
Margaret Loveman
Butler Snow
Board Member
Preston Martin
Bressler
Board Member
Lane Morrison
Kemper Corporation
Board Member
Ken Perry
Ken Perry Law
Board Member
James Roberts
Burr Forman
Board Member
Julie Schiff
Baker Donelson
Board Member
Sabrina Simon
Board Member
Amber Whillock
Starnes
Don't miss this free bankruptcy CLE!
VLB serves a number of qualified bankruptcy clients every month, and we are always in need of attorney volunteers to assist them! This is a great opportunity to earn five MCLE credit hours, including one ethics hour, while gaining the most up-to-date information about bankruptcy law in Alabama.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Birmingham Bar Center, 20201 2nd Ave. N., 35203. Lunch will be provided. Click here more information or to register. Don't wait—this session will fill up fast!
Free training makes VLB volunteering even easier!
Interested in volunteering at a Help Desk but want to know more about how it works? VLB will bring orientation to you! We will gladly do a free training session at your firm upon request.
Email Interim Executive Director Graham Hewitt to schedule a volunteer training session today, or call him at 205.250.5198, ext. 2. If you need any more incentive to get involved, remember that attorney volunteers are eligible for one free CLE for every six hours spent volunteering with us, for a maximum of three credits. Click here for more information about earning CLE credits through VLB .

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