Oct. 11, 2024 – The Cedar Rapids Public Library will host an Ask-A-Lawyer event Oct. 24-25, in partnership with the Linn County Bar Association, the State Library of Iowa, and the University of Iowa’s Law Library.
Library patrons have the opportunity to meet with an attorney for free 15-minute in-person consultations on Friday, Oct. 25, from 10 am- 4 pm at the Downtown Library, 450 Fifth Ave. SE.
Phone consultations will be available by appointment on Thursday, Oct. 24 from noon-3 pm and Oct. 25 from 10 am to 4 pm.
To reserve an Ask-A-Lawyer spot for the in-person event on Oct. 25, call the library at (319) 261-7323 or come into the Downtown Library. A limited number of walk-in spots will also be available.
To reserve a time for a phone consultation, come into the Opportunity Center at Ladd Library, 3750 Williams Blvd SW. You must sign a waiver at the library in advance of the phone consultation.
Many community members need legal assistance but cannot afford an attorney or don’t know where to start. The Ask-A-Lawyer program allows participants to get basic information on their legal issues and be connected to further free and low-cost legal resources. Attorneys can answer questions on a wide range of civil legal topics such as bankruptcy, collection matters, child custody, divorce, evictions, foreclosures, landlord-tenant issues, wills, and more. Lawyers are not able to address criminal matters.
"Public libraries are natural starting points for people in search of information and services. Library staff can provide direction to available resources, but not legal advice. The Ask-A-Lawyer program is a great benefit to patrons needing legal help," library Programming Manager Kevin Delecki said.
The library is partnering with the Linn County Bar Association, the State Library of Iowa, and the University of Iowa’s Law Library to engage libraries and lawyers in meeting community needs for legal services. The event marks the state legal profession’s Cady Day of Service and the American Bar Association's National Celebration of Pro Bono Week.
Ask-a-Lawyer FAQs
What is the Ask-a-Lawyer Event?
Volunteer attorneys who are members of the Linn County Bar Association will provide general “Ask-a-Lawyer” sessions, allowing patrons to ask questions about their civil (not criminal) legal problems during free, confidential 15-minute advice sessions.
How much does it cost to participate in this program?
The Ask-a-Lawyer event is FREE!
Is my meeting confidential?
The 15-minute meeting with an attorney is covered by the attorney-client privilege. Information provided on the sign-up sheet and the intake and waiver forms will only be accessed by library staff and the consulting attorney. Information you provide will not be shared with anyone else.
How long are the sessions?
Each session is 15 minutes long and the time is strictly enforced. Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time to fill out intake and waiver forms. If you arrive late, your time slot may be given away.
What should I bring with me to the meeting?
1. Bring a list of questions in priority order you would like to ask the attorney. Fifteen minutes go by very fast. 2. Bring any supporting documents you need to show the attorney. Organize paperwork and information related to the case from the most recent on the top to the oldest at the bottom. Clearly identify any deadlines. Prepare a timeline of the legal issue. 3. Bring something to write down the information you learn. 4. Bring a translator if you need one.
Will the attorney be able to represent me in the future? Are they now my legal counsel?
No. The attorneys are here to consult and will not provide any services beyond the 15-minute consultation session. Attorneys will attempt to answer your legal questions, but will not represent you in your legal matter and are not consenting to become your legal counsel.
Can I still participate if I can’t make it to the library for the event?
Yes. You can sign up to receive a telephone consultation, following the same rules as the in-person consultations.