Harvesters of Hope expands reach with six new participants

CONTRIBUTED BY HARVESTERS OF HOPE

LAFAYETTE — Harvesters of Hope is pleased to welcome six new participants to the organization. 

Local participants are: 

• Calvin Burroughs announced that he has opened an office in Tallapoosa County in Dadeville.

• Emily Milford will begin practicing in LaFayette later this year. 

Harvesters of Hope was launched to combat Alabama’s attorney shortage in many counties. According to Alabama State Bar data, 42-plus counties in Alabama have fewer than one attorney per 1,000 residents, with the shortage expected to worsen as a significant percentage of the state’s attorneys approach retirement age. Developed in partnership with the Alabama State Bar and public and private philanthropic partners across the state, Harvesters of Hope seeks to recruit attorneys to underserved communities where access to legal services is limited.

“These six new lawyers, added to the 10 lawyers who had previously joined us, means in less than one and a half years, Harvesters of Hope will have placed lawyers in approximately 43% of Alabama’s ‘legal deserts,’” said Harvesters of Hope Board President Allison Skinner. “These lawyers are furthering the mission of Harvesters of Hope [which is] ‘to grow the legal profession in Alabama’s small towns and underserved communities; improve access to justice; advance the administration of justice; increase economic vitality; and revitalize Alabama’s small towns and underserved communities.’ These lawyers are becoming an integral part of their communities and having a positive impact.”

Through the Volunteer Lawyers Program, these participants give back to their local communities by providing pro bono services to those who qualify. In support of their efforts, Harvesters of Hope’s resources provide the foundational tools needed for lawyers to start and grow successful practices in underserved areas. These supports include access to practice management programs, business planning templates, budgeting and organizational tools, technology recommendations and continuing legal education opportunities. They also receive complimentary professional memberships, ongoing training and mentorship as well as a financial stipend. Together, they create a strong framework that helps new attorneys operate efficiently and effectively from day one.  

Visit www.harvestersofhope.org for more information.