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Friday, October 29, 2010
Hundreds Receive Free Legal Advice
By Astrid Galvan
Journal Staff Writer
Kevin A. Martinez has been fighting to keep his Rio Rancho home from foreclosure for the past nine months, and doing so on his own.
But, on Thursday, Martinez got free legal advice he said helped him better understand what he needs to do.
Martinez was one of about 800 New Mexicans who got free legal help at Law-La-Palooza, held at the Albuquerque Convention Center from noon to 6 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Second Judicial District Pro Bono Committee, whose volunteers say there's a growing number of people who need, but can't afford, legal help.
Martinez said he can't afford to hire an attorney, citing high medical bills.
Volunteer attorney Jason B. Wheeless, of United South Broadway Corporation, which offers free attorney representation to those who qualify, helped Martinez. For example, Martinez asked if he should pay a tax lien on his home before going into mediation with his bank in December. Wheeless told him he didn't need to, which Martinez said was a relief.
"I think it's wonderful. To tell you the truth, the legal process is incredibly complex at times," Martinez said. "Most of the public has no idea what to do other than get an attorney, but what if you can't afford one? That's tough."
Wheeless, one of more than 150 volunteer attorneys at the event, said there's no shortage of people who need legal help in dealing with foreclosures. Most, he said, signed up for predatory loans or lost jobs when the economy crashed. And most want to save their homes, he said.
"This stuff is complex, and a lot of people have difficulty understanding the whole process," Wheeless said. "People are confused."
Such was the reason behind putting together the event, said 2nd Judicial District Judge Clay Campbell, an organizer.
"There are so many people who can't get their legal needs met," Campbell said. "You have all of these people who are facing baffling circumstances."
Campbell said this Law-La-Palooza, the third event this year, is the biggest so far. Before Thursday, the biggest event had ended with 135 people receiving free advice, he said. Thursday's event served about 800.
"The number of people who need it has increased so much," he said.
Campbell said the most common requests for help were for foreclosure advice and family law advice.
He praised the attorneys who volunteered.
"What we have is a very healthy legal community that has stepped up to help," Campbell said.
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