Indialantic man proud to be
'lawyer of only resort'

Florida Bar will honor Torres' 400-plus hours
of pro bono service today

Written by

Lee Nessel

FLORIDA TODAY

7:27 AM, Jan. 26, 2012

James L. Torres is a board-certified, civil trial lawyer who has tried big cases, some involving millions of dollars. But it's the 400-plus hours of pro bono work, including more than 200 cases for Brevard County Legal Aid, that is earning him recognition from the Florida Bar in Tallahassee today.

"When you do (big cases), there are 100 other lawyers in town who will do that," Torres said. "But in many of these cases, you're not the lawyer of last resort, you"re the lawyer of only resort.."

"These cases' involve representing poor and indigent clients in consumer matters like credit card collection, repossession, garnishment and foreclosure. Prompted by his wife, Kim, a certified mediator, he realized people in small claims court needed better representation.

The need is great, but the qualifications to receive free services through Legal Aid are so stringent that the organization's director, Rob Johnson, (Executive Director of "Brevard County Legal Aid") said they turn away seven or eight out of every 10 people.

"He's been extraordinary, a guy who has extensive litigation experience and brings a lot of the experience to bear for folks who otherwise would have no representation whatsoever and would be lost at sea in the courtroom," Johnson said. "These are people who would not have had legal recourse without his help. He's an above-and-beyond type of guy."

Torres, 51, estimated that pro bono cases have at times consumed as much as 25 percent of his practice, but now it's down to about 15 percent to 20 percent.

"It's sort of taken over my life," Torres said. "There is a happiness that you get as a lawyer when you do something that you know almost no one else is willing to do."

Disabled Air Force veteran Armando LaFuente, 50, of Palm Bay, credited Torres with helping his family of six battle creditors as they survive on his disability pension. It was $930 a month until the new year, when it went up to $965.

"He has been the best attorney, the kindest, most attentive to my problems. He returns my calls instantly," LaFuente said. "Other attorneys, because I have no money and the problems I''m having, they don't want to talk to you. Mr. Torres treats you like you've got a million dollars. He is really nice person"

As mediation services coordinator for Brevard County Civil Court, Ollie Lyons said he knows how overwhelming the court system can be for people who cannot afford legal representation.

"Given the difficult economic times we live in, there has never been a greater need for attorneys to step up and volunteer their time," Lyons said. "Attorneys like Mr. Torres provide an invaluable service not only to their clients, but also to the entire court system."

Obtaining free representation can be life-changing for most Legal Aid clients. A few-thousand-dollar settlement could destroy someone's life who is on a fixed income, and Johnson said, "They could easily lose their ability to remain productive members of their community."

Applicants to Legal Aid are prioritized by immediate need and must meet stringent income qualifications in order to qualify. Income needs to be at 125 percent of poverty, meaning a family of four earning about $27,000 a year. Cases that involve victims of domestic violence and children often are given priority.

Torres said he's driven more than 15,000 miles back and forth to work on pro bono cases in Brevard and also for Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida out of Volusia County.

"My wife tells me I should be thankful for the attention (of the award), so maybe it will inspire others to do this," Torres said. "I hope that (pro bono cases) will be a permanent part of my legal practice."

James L. Torres

The Indialantic laywer will be among 21 Florida lawyers to be recognized by the Florida Bar for their work on behalf of poor and indigent clients at a ceremony today at the Supreme Court of Florida in Tallahassee. He also will be honored at Brevard County Legal Aid's 25th annual Pro Bono Awards and Recognition Gala on Feb. 17.

Age: 51

Education: Bachelor's degree in government from Florida State University in 1982, and law degree with honors from Florida State University College of Law in 1985.

Legal: Admitted to the Florida Bar in 1985; member of the Southern and Middle District Federal Courts in Florida

Practice: Opened James L. Torres, PA in Indialantic in Feb. 2006

Family: Wife, Kim; daughters Kelsey, 22, who graduated from Tulane University in 2011, and Kendall, 19, who attends FSU

BCLA Pro Bono Programs

We are a non-profit (501-C3) agency that provides free legal aid civil service to indigent persons.

We are Making a Difference

According to BCLA executive director, Rob Johnson, more than 40 lawyers signed up to do pro bono work at the October kick-off event held at the BCLA location in Rockledge, and between October and January,the program has seen a 20 percent increase in pro bono services compared to the same time last year

"We're offering more limited opportunities for attorneys that fall into the group of wanting to do pro bono but are unable because of family commitments or not having enough time. For example, a contract attorney can assist a child by explaining and negotiating a lease" Johnson said.

The "One" campaign, funded by the Florida Bar Foundation, is a statewide pro bono effort for one attorney to take on one case to help one client in need.

BCLA staff members and/or Board members give community presentations frequently to other agencies or groups that have a need to know about BCLA and its services. Community legal education is often coordinated through BCLA. BCLA matches attorneys having specific areas of expertise with requests for attorney speakers. Emphasis is given to presentations to low-income persons. A wide spectrum of self-help and interagency brochures are distributed by BCLA. Looking ahead with current economic trends BCLA predicts that they will have more requests for services than ever before. BCLA and many other legal aid services in the state have been working side by side to develop a plan to be able to serve more people and families. This plan also incorporates direction and ways to increase Pro Bono participation from private attorneys. This plan will be launched later this year.