Maine Lawyers Working For Maine People
At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, access to justice is our top priority. With a statewide practice and six conveniently located offices in Sanford, Biddeford, Portland, Lewiston, Augusta and Bangor, the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein is accessible to Mainers everywhere. But that's just the beginning of the firm's goodwill.
In Maine, there are many opportunities for lawyers to volunteer and give back to the communities they work in. At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we take great pride in the pro bono work we do.
Since its inception in 2005, Attorney Naomi Honeth has been involved with the Volunteer Lawyer Domestic Violence Program representing women (usually) in Protection From Abuse (PFA) cases. The clients are seeking permanent PFA orders to prevent their ex-spouses or partners from having contact with them.
Approximately once a month, Attorney Honeth appears in Portland District Court to volunteer under the program. Briefed by a Family Crisis worker and given a file with little time to prepare, Attorney Honeth quickly meets with the client. They discuss what abuse or threat occurred to prompt the client to seek a PFA. The conversations are often emotional, as the client frequently is fearful of confronting her former partner or spouse and nervous about being in court.
After consulting with her client, Attorney Honeth meets with the defendant, asking if he is willing to enter a PFA order without a finding of abuse. This means he agrees to stay away from the plaintiff without a court order saying he abused her. If he agrees, the two parties sign an order that is entered by the Court. If he refuses, there is a hearing. If the judge finds the defendant was abusive or threatening, an order will be issued. If the defendant violates the order, he can be arrested.
The Volunteer Lawyer Domestic Program is just one of the ways our firm gives back to our beloved home state. For a list of charities, communities, and organizations the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein supports please visit:
http://www.mainepersonalinjurylaw.com/2009/07/articles/in-our-community/caring-through-charity
