Gov. Gregoire and state bar association announce pro bono effort

For Immediate Release: June 17, 2009

SEATTLE � Gov. Chris Gregoire and members of the Washington State Bar Association announced today a new program to confront the foreclosure crisis.

The governor was joined today by Sen. Jean Burkey (D- Everett), WSBA President Mark Johnson, Washington State Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerry Alexander and Washington State Housing Finance Commission Chair Karen Miller at the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle.

The team announced the Home Foreclosure Legal Aid Project, a statewide service effort to give legal advice and representation to low and moderate-income Washingtonians struggling with potential home loss. By partnering with the not-for-profit organization Northwest Justice Project, the bar association will recruit and train lawyers across the state in pro bono service delivery.

Speaking as both �your governor and as an attorney,� Gregoire commended members of the bar association for answering a call she made in January�s inaugural address to �courageously and generously volunteer� to help others.

�This is the kind of generosity that truly will define us as we confront challenges in the times ahead,� Gregoire said. �I can�t thank my fellow attorneys enough for volunteering their time for this critical project.�

The governor was joined by Eva Buck, a West Seattle resident. Buck was the victim of fraudulent foreclosure rescue agents, but with assistance from pro bono lawyers won her case and received the appropriate cash and benefits.

The Home Foreclosure Legal Aid Project will operate through May 31, 2010. Homeowners seeking help should call 877-894-HOME (4663) or visit www.wsba.org for more information.