Inns Raising the Bar: The Inn of Court Challenge

Join your fellow Inns of Court who support Bay Area Legal Services.

Through their interest to advance the rule of law, the American Inns of Court support ethics, civility, professionalism—and even philanthropy! In addition to building vital relationships, many Inns support legal aid in a variety of ways.

Inn of Court Hero Image

Local Inns of Court support Bay Area Legal Services with annual volunteer and fundraising efforts.

Supporting Inns of Court

The 2023 Inn of Court Badge

Thank you to the following Inns of Court who are “raising the bar” by coordinating annual fundraisers and volunteer opportunities in support of Bay Area Legal. To serve as thanks, supporting Inns are listed on our website, recognized on our social media platforms, and receive our badge.

For many years the low-income citizens of Tampa and surrounding areas have been blessed by the hard work of the staff and volunteers of Bay Area Legal Services who have helped them navigate the legal system at no cost in order to protect their interests. Our group of lawyers in the voluntary Stann Givens Family Law Inn of Court are pleased to be a part of that assistance.”

Stann W. Givens

Stann W. Givens

Founder the of Stann Givens Family Law Inn of Court

Ways To Get Inn-volved: 

Participating Inns select one way to support Bay Area Legal from each of the categories annually.

Fundraise

Fundraisers can include special events, donation drives, and/or matching firm opportunities. Bay Area Legal staff members can provide donation slips, campaign pages, and other materials to support your drive as needed.

  • Initiate annual fundraiser for Bay Area Legal.
  • “Pass the Hat” at your Inn meetings throughout the year.
  • Create a Miles for Justice team for your Inn.
    • Gather your runners and other active members to participate in a walk/run/ride-a-thon in October to help celebrate Pro Bono Week.

Volunteer or Educate

Participating Inns can choose one or more of the following pro bono opportunities below to host annually. Training and materials, as well as supervision, are provided. 

  • Host an intake clinic with members from your Inn.
  • Participate in a Family Forms Clinic.
  • Incorporate a Bay Area Legal program as part of your Inn’s pupillage project.
  • Invite Bay Area Legal leadership to your Inn’s meeting to share information about the organization and current landscape of legal aid with your members.

Contact Development@bals.org to join.

Apply for Services

Apply by phone Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., or apply online anytime for non-emergency legal matters. Language interpreters are available to you at no cost.

How do I apply? Am I eligible?

Bay Area Legal Services

If you live or have a case in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, or Sarasota counties, we may be able to help.

Statewide Legal Helplines

If you live or have a case in Florida, we may be able to help.