BATTLE MOUNTAIN - Sixth Judicial District's Judge Michael Montero is being honored by Nevada Legal Services, a statewide nonprofit organization that provides free legal services to low income residents.
Pro bono coordinator Rita Kelly says NLS wouldn't be able to offer the access to the legal system that they do, particularly in rural Nevada, without the help of judges and attorneys who volunteer their time and legal expertise.
So, once a year, NLS recognizes those in the legal profession whose uncommon generosity with their time and expertise opens doors to the legal system for those in need.
NLS receives primary funding through a grant from the federal government through the Legal Services Corporation; its mission is to strengthen communities by providing equal access to legal services. One way they do this is through quarterly legal clinics where individuals can get assistance with court documents or legal forms they need help filling out. Kelly said,
The Champion of Justice award being given to Judge Michael Montero was created to give recognition to an individual who significantly supports the cause of access to justice for all Nevadans. The criteria is based on the impact of their contribution, according to Kelly.
In 2011, the Champion of Justice award for northern Nevada went to Judge Connie Steinheimer of the Second Judicial District for her contributions to the Access to Justice Commission and public support of pro bono services to community members.
Last year, Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto and the staff of her office were recognized for the efforts in spearheading litigation against banks, loan services, foreclosure scammers and others who were defrauding homeowners. The attorney general and her staff also created funding for Nevada nonprofits to assist homeowners who had lost their homes to exercise their rights.
This year, NLS said Judge Montero has been chosen as a northern Nevada Champion of Justice based on his dedicated advocacy and support of pro bono work.
Kelly said, "He's been an ongoing voice of support to encourage attorneys to take cases, assist with educational and self-help clinics, supporting long distance representation - allowing attorneys to participate at hearings via phone or video conferencing."
Kelly said, "Judge Montero recognizes the challenges faced by our rural community members to access the judicial system in rural areas, where the attorney pool can be very limited; it is imperative to have judiciary support for pro bono services to community residents."
For his part, Judge Montero was thrilled - shocked to hear he would be honored.
"They called me to see if I would be available for the October luncheon; I thought they were looking for people to attend, but they really wanted to be sure I would be there and said "We want to present you with an award."
Montero said one thing he thinks has helped legal access is the Sixth Judicial District website. "It's a place for people to go who are representing themselves to find forms online."
Montero said that allowing attorneys to participate at hearings by phone or video was helped along by a grant from the Court Improvement Program. The grant paid for video conferencing equipment in the courtroom.
"We have the technology; we need to use it to help people," he commented.
The Nevada Legal Services luncheon honoring the northern Nevada Champions of Justice will be held Oct. 21 in Reno.
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