Franklin County's 'Lawyer in the Library' to Continue with New Grant Award

Posted By: Withers Syndication
October 9, 2024 @ 11:12 am
Local News

BENTON – Second Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan is proud to announce that the Circuit has been awarded an Access to Justice Grant to continue Franklin County’s “Lawyer in the Library” this upcoming year.

Pictured (Left to Right): Second Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan and “Lawyer in the Library” Attorney Shannon Appleton. (Photo submitted.)

Local Attorney Shannon Appleton is now scheduling to meet with interested parties at the West Frankfort Public Library, located at 402 E. Poplar St., in West Frankfort beginning this month. The funding program period begins in October and runs through June 2025.

The program provides a licensed attorney for 20-minute appointment periods to assist individuals with free legal coaching, document review, assistance with electronic filing, and referrals to additional services. These free services are made possible by grant funding obtained by Chief Judge Morgan from the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice and the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts.

“The program has been tremendously successful since its inception in 2022, and I truly appreciate the Supreme Court and the Administrative Office for their continued support and this year’s funding. We are also grateful to continue to partner with Attorney Appleton who has dedicated countless hours to this project. We simply would not be able to provide these services without her commitment and dedication,” stated Chief Judge Morgan.

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Appointments can now be scheduled between 3-5 p.m. for the following fall and winter dates: Oct. 11, Oct.18, Nov. 5, Nov. 21, Dec. 5, Dec. 12, Jan. 9, 2025, and Jan. 23, 2025. Additional spring and summer dates will be announced in the coming months.

To register in advance, please contact the West Frankfort Public Library at 618-932-3313. Participants are asked to bring all paperwork related to their legal questions with them and sign in at the desk upon arrival at the library. Due to limited appointments, persons can only be seen once every 30 days.

For more information, please contact the West Frankfort Public Library or the Office of Second Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan at 618-244-8036.