James T. Towne Jr. was honored recently with
the Legal Project Champion Award.
When Attorney James T. Towne Jr., principal
and vice president of Towne, Ryan & Partners
PC, first approached the Legal Project Executive
Director Lisa Frisch about his concerns
regarding the difficulties surrounding legal
assistance in rural communities – he found a
kindred spirit.
The Legal Project, a nonprofit organization
whose mission is to make the law more accessible
to those in need–especially to victims of
domestic violence–was in the very beginning
stages of developing a Civil Legal Outreach
Center.
The center is envisioned to establish relationships
with public libraries and other
community centers across the greater Capital
Region to provide those living in rural areas,
those without transportation, and those who
have physical challenges a convenient location
to readily access legal advice and support
services. Project officials say that when completed,
it will utilize state-of-the-art technology
to remotely connect those individuals
with attorneys for private, “face-to-face” legal
consultations, allowing them to resolve their
civil legal concerns more quickly and with
fewer obstacles.
The Outreach Center will expand the Legal
Project’s services’ footprint.
In the following months after his initial
conversation with Frisch, Towne committed
himself to backing the organization’s endeavor
through ideas, his time and essential funding
to make the Outreach Center a reality.
“The challenges facing many rural domestic
violence victims in accessing legal support
services is exacerbated by the limited number
of attorneys practicing in rural areas, coupled
with limited or non-existent public transportation,”
said Towne. “Hopefully, through the
Outreach Center, the excellent legal support
services provided by the Legal Project will be
made readily available to remote legal services
consumers through enhanced technology.”
In recognition of his guidance and dedication
to this project, Towne was honored with
the prestigious Legal Project Champion Award,
which he received at the Pro Bono Awards
Luncheon in October at the Century House in
Latham. The annual award is given to individuals
throughout the Capital District who have
made a tremendous difference in supporting the
work of the Legal Project and promoting
the organization’s mission.
“Jim was chosen to be recognized for The
Legal Project Champion Award because of
his leadership and on-going guidance in the
development of this vital project, which will
impact many people who otherwise would have
difficulty accessing critical civil legal help in
our communities,” said Frisch.
To continue propelling this project and
future projects for the organization, Towne
additionally agreed to serve as a member of
the Legal Project’s Advisory Board. The board,
which consists of leaders in the Capital Region’s
legal community who share in the mission
of the organization, works together with the
board of directors and the executive director on
significant projects and planning for the Legal
Project’s programs and fundraising activities.
“Technology is perhaps the best way to reach
those in critical need of access to legal advice
concerning their rights and responsibilities,”
said Towne. “This gift will hopefully provide
the groundwork for an effective platform for
many years to come.”
The Legal Project was founded in 1995 by
the Capital District Women’s Bar Association.
To learn more about the organization or to
donate, visit www.legalproject.org.