Local lawyer offers an affordable law center in Eureka starting this September

M.C. Bruce, a local attorney with an office at 512 I Street, in Eureka is starting an affordable law center and the public will get a preview at this September's Arts Alive, which will include a live band and flyers explaining the services.  "The center will offer services twice a month to begin with," said Mr. Bruce, "probably  on Wednesday Sept 9 and  Wednesday Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m."

 The center will also be accepting appointments for Tuesday but not walk ins.

"The intent is to offer to the public assistance in preparing Judicial Council forms," said Mr. Bruce.  "The customer will sit down with an attorney and prepare the form together with the lawyer.  However, the lawyer will not represent the customer in court.  The idea is that the Judicial Council form will be filled in correctly.  For an additional fee we can copy and file and serve the papers."

"This is an attorney-assisted service.  The idea is that the public will have access to help by a laywer in preparing the forms--even those forms the Self-Help Center does not handle.  This is not a place where you come in and we hand you the forms and say 'good luck,'  The attorney will work with the customer in filling out the form so that the customer knows the form is filled out correctly.  The paralegals who are doing this work in Humboldt at present are actually violating the law, as they will usually give legal advice while filling out the form.  Under California law, only an attorney can give the public legal advice."

Other services, such as preparation of motions which are not covered by Judicial Council forms, will also be offered.  Payment is with credit cards or cash only, no checks.

M.C. Bruce worked as the family law facilitator in Del Norte County and helped thousands of persons in that capacity.