Thanks to the efforts of our volunteers the Mission First Legal Aid Office has provided over 1,500 hours of pro bono legal aid to more than 350 qualified persons either through advice and counsel, representation, or referral since October 20, 2006, the date the Legal Aid Office first opened its doors to clients.

Volunteer Attorney of the Year: Renee Harrison

Renee Harrison received her B.S. from Millsaps College ('86) and her J.D. from Mississippi College School of Law ('01). She is a solo practitioner in Hazlehurst, Mississippi focusing on criminal, civil and family law. She also serves as a public defender in Copiah County.

Giving over 39 hours of pro bono legal services, Renee's contribution to the Legal Aid Office is extraordinary. She believes strongly in the mission of the Legal Aid Office. "Living in a small town presents me with the unique opportunity to help many people with problems that seem small to us but loom quite large in their
lives. Often, they need only a few telephone calls or letters to help resolve their situation, but having to pay for the services of an attorney would break their monthly budget, which is already tight. As we all know,
pro bono clients are truly grateful for the assistance they receive from lawyers who willingly donate their time and helping these clients brings us more rewards than money. I am a firm believer in Luke 12:48: 'To whom much is given, much is expected.' We all fall into that category and not necessarily in a monetary sense. We have been given gifts like intelligence, perseverance, diligence, and compassion, and we must use them
to help those less fortunate. I applaud Mission First and all of the lawyers across Mississippi who donated time this past year to help our fellow man and urge all of you to donate a few hours each month for pro bono
clients."

Student Volunteers of the Year: Spence Young (3L), Will Edwards (2L) and Lauren Cliatt (1L)

Spence Young donated 54 hours as Student Volunteer Coordinator and performing legal research.

Will Edwards' prior experience as an accountant proved invaluable in setting up the first Tax Preparation Assistance Clinic offered by the Legal Aid Office. He dedicated 63 hours in planning and implementing the Tax Clinic.

As a first year student, Lauren Cliatt gave 29 hours to the Legal Aid Office completing Intake Forms, assisting attorneys during interviews, and researching legal issues.