I am Attorney Misty Gann, sole proprietor of Misty Gann Law, LLC, and native Cobb County resident. I established my firm to defend those often overlooked in the legal system: the youth, seniors, and parents desperate to give their children the resources they deserve.

I am dedicated to using my insight to give the vulnerable a voice when they are struggling with legal challenges that affect their current and future well-being as well as their relationships with their loved ones.

I remembered that one of my professors ended my class with profound words. I do not recall the exact words, but I remember his message: a law degree provides an immense power to change the lives of people.

As attorneys, we are constantly reminded of the importance of offering pro bono services; however, there is little emphasis on providing low-bono service. There is a huge population of people who could never afford the full cost of legal representation but will not qualify for pro bono services. I suspect the population of people, who fall into this chasm of legal needs, is larger than all other categories combined; however, this group goes unidentified and receives little attention because the resources are few and far between.

The Atlanta Bar’s LRIS Modest Means program identifies the population who will not qualify for pro bono and cannot afford traditional legal services. The Modest Means program prescreens individuals for economic need, and those qualified to attorneys signed up with LRIS to accept these low-bono candidates. Historically, there has been a fee to receive referrals through the Modest Means program, but this fee has been waived to encourage enrollment. Currently, attorney enrollment is meager and the need is great. There are only few panel members enrolled on the Modest Means program: 5 family law, 2 bankruptcy, and 11 for health directive matters. As you might suspect, the need is far greater than can be met by this meager enrollment.

Most legal professionals are aware that every attorney has a duty to provide pro bono services. Our responsibility is so great that it is embedded in our Professional Rules of Conduct. Let’s not forget the plight of those in that middle income range addressed by section (b) of Rule 6.1, which addresses the duty to provide the “delivery of legal services at a substantially reduced fee to persons of limited means.” I encourage attorneys to join the Atlanta Bar Association Modest Means program and contact Joette Melendez for additional information. The community of Atlanta will appreciate your service and dedication.