UWSSC has been approved as a Legal Aid Organization!

We are please to announce that UWSSC has been approved as a Legal Aid Organization!

On March 21, 2024, the Supreme Court of Florida acknowledged the United Way of South Sarasota County (UWSSC) as an approved legal aid organization pursuant to Chapters 11, 12, and 13 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. This recognition authorizes UWSSC to engage law student interns, law graduates, and emeritus attorneys to contribute to our mission. Thus, UWSSC is working to develop a legal team to serve our community's elderly and A.L.I.C.E. (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) populations -- those who have little to no "access to justice" within the civil legal system.

The achievement of this status as an approved legal aid organization was the result of a carefully crafted petition to the Supreme Court of Florida demonstrating compliance with specific criteria, notably the mandate that a majority of legal services be directed towards the indigent. UWSSC never charges a fee to its clients, relying instead on donations and support from our community.

In the initial six months since the inception of its legal services, UWSSC has had the privilege of assisting over 200 individuals. The legal services team at UWSSC looks forward to expanding its impact in 2024.

To hear more about the the meaningful work we are doing and the impact we have on the lives of those in need, take a moment to watch a special message from one of our valued Board Members, Lieutenant, Mike Dumer, Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

MEET THE UWSSC LEGAL SERVICES UNIT

Robin L. Stover, Esq., Director of Legal Services

Robin was admitted to the California Bar in 1998 and has been practicing civil litigation for 26 years. In 2008, she moved to Florida to be closer to her aging parents. She found her second calling by helping others through non-profit legal aid work, and six months ago was honored to be named Director of Legal Services at the United Way of South Sarasota County. She lives in Venice with four ill-mannered Chihuahuas.

James R. Clegg, Esq. LL.M, Deputy Director of Legal Services

Mr. Clegg comes to UWSSC with seven years of civil legal aid experience as a law student intern, paralegal, staff attorney, and supervising attorney. He is a Florida native from Bradenton. He has obtained several degrees including an associate degree from State College of Florida, two bachelor's degrees in psychology and criminology from the University of South Florida, a Juris Doctor and a Master of Law in International Law from the Stetson University College of Law, and a Master 2 degree in International Economic Law from the Université Toulouse 1 Capitole in Toulouse, France. Mr. Clegg is licensed in Florida and the District of Columbia, admitted to the Middle District of Florida, and is accredited by the Veteran's Administration as an attorney representative.

Thank you for being a valued part of our United Way family. Your continued support fuels our mission and helps us create lasting change.

United Way of South Sarasota County

An Independent United Way Chapter