16-37, SUPERSEDES 94-1 IN RE: ATTORNEYS - PRO BONO PLAN - ORDERED 9/14/2016 BY JOHN D. GALLUZZO
EXCERPT: “In 1990 the Florida Supreme Court held that “every lawyer of this state who is a member of The Florida Bar has an obligation to represent the poor when called upon by the courts and that each lawyer has agreed to that commitment when admitted practicing law in this state.” In Re Amendment to Rules Regulating the Florida Bar-1-3.1(a) and Rules of Judicial Administration-2.065 (Legal Aid), 573 So. 2d. 800, 806 (Fla 1990). Three years later, the Florida Supreme Court promulgated Rule 4-6.5(c) of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar providing for the establishment of a pro bono committee in each circuit. In Re: Amendments to Rules Regulating the Florida Bar-1-3.1(a) and Rules of Rules of Judicial Administration-2.065 (Legal Aid), 630 So. 2d 501 (Fla 1993).
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.215(b)(3) states the chief judge shall “develop an administrative plan for the efficient and proper administration of all courts within that circuit.”
Therefore, in accordance with the authority vested in the Chief Judge by the Florida Rule Judicial Administration 2.215 and Rule Regulating the Florida Bar 4-6.5(c), it is ORDERED: (Open AO for more information.)”