Pro Bono Matchmaker Project (PBMP)
Presented at Real Estate Property Law Institute by Mark Shaffer, Esq.
PBMP Success Stories: We wanted to inform our membership that the Pro Bono Matchmaker Project (PBMP) has successfully matched several of our Matchmaker volunteers with real estate pro bono needs throughout the state. We would like to recognize and thank John Taylor and Angela Ligouri of Carlton Fields for their recent work for the DeKalb County Habitat for Humanity. By sending letters on behalf of delinquent homeowners, John and Angela were able to help these Habitat homeowners prevent foreclosures. John and Angela are also working on behalf of DeKalb County Habitat for Humanity to secure variances and/or rezoning to enable the organization to develop more homes in DeKalb County. The PBMP has also coordinated attorneys to provide assistance to the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity affiliate in connection with the acquisition of real property, to an individual currently being served by a City of Atlanta Public Defender with a title clearance matter and to an individual seeking to confirm rescission of a refinance contract.
PBMP Summary: As previously announced, the RPLS has created PBMP to increase pro bono participation by real property attorneys by matching attorneys with pro bono opportunities. We are pleased to inform you that over 70 attorneys have already volunteered to be a part of PBMP. Thanks to all of the attorneys who have volunteered to be a part of this project, particularly those who have already agreed to provide legal assistance.
How PBMP Works: The RPLS Pro Bono Committee has established points of contact with several qualifying organizations that need real property legal services. Attorneys can simply volunteer to be part of a pool of attorneys available to take on such projects. Once an organization communicates a real property pro bono project to us, we send an e-mail solely to the pool of volunteer attorneys with a project description. Once volunteer(s) respond to the e-mail agreeing to assist with the project, we put the organization and volunteer(s) in contact with each other to coordinate handling of the project. Potential projects include land closings, declarations, easements, affordable housing, single-family housing, property tax appeals, etc.
How to Join: If you are interested in joining our pool of volunteers for the Pro Bono Matchmaker Project, please email Angela McCord at amccord@pogolaw.com. Then, once a project is identified, all members of the pool receive an e-mail with the project description and invitation to assist with the project. It’s that easy. Please note that by agreeing to be included in the pool of volunteer attorneys, you are only agreeing to receive e-mails about possible pro bono projects. You are not obligated to take on any projects.
We are aware of how difficult it can be for attorneys to identify quality pro bono opportunities that involve real estate. This project has been specifically designed to make that process easier. Please consider submitting your name to be included in the pool of volunteer attorneys.
PBMP NEEDS PROJECTS: You can also assist us by identifying projects for our volunteer attorneys. If you become aware of any pro bono needs with which our group of volunteers may be able to assist, feel free to pass such information along to Angela McCord as well.
