Law Group Launches Free Coronavirus Legal Advice Hotline

The Alaska Bar Association, partnering with the Alaska Legal Service Corporation, launched a hotline Monday for those dealing with noncriminal legal issues as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The idea was pretty early on in the pandemic. While we were all working to navigate the new working situation, it took a little while to get off the ground. We hope that this could be useful for people to figure out their next step. All the volunteers are ready to give brief information or consultation,” Krista Scully, the pro bono director for the Alaska Bar Association, said in a phone interview.

The hotline is underwritten by GCI, Scully said. Lawyers from across the state will volunteer their time to help answer non-criminal legal questions. The hotline will operate 6-8 p.m. three days a week, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Each day will have a different focus, Scully said. Mondays will be employment-related, Wednesdays will be family law, and Fridays will be for debt and foreclosure issues, Scully said.

Some other states have similar programs in place, Scully said, but it’s a first for Alaska. They’re also looking for different ways to help provide legal assistance in the times of coronavirus.

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