Bar network lets lawyers lend a hand

Several bars across the country have set up support networks for legal professionals who need assistance with big and small requests. The inspiration for the program came from a Louisiana model that took off after Hurricane Katrina.

The National Law Journal writes about SOLACE: Support of Lawyers/Legal Personnel – All Concerns Encouraged, which was created in 2002 by U.S. District Judge Jay Zainey. Zainey reached out to an attorney friend whose wife, also an attorney, suffered a brain aneurysm. The wife survived and the friend suggested a network where the legal community could ask for help in times of need.

When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, the program gained steam as lawyers around the state responded to requests for things like law library access and housing. The program has expanded and taken on new names in some states, like Ohio, but the idea is the same: attorneys can reach out to other lawyers for help when needed. Those requests may be something as simple as trying to donate legal books to needing help with a medical evacuation.

Zainey said requests are never supposed to be directly for money, but some in-kind requests such as frequent flier miles can be allowed.

Is there any type of program like this in Indiana for attorneys? If not, should Indiana look to the SOLACE model and implement a program?