At noon on Monday, July 27, the City of Demopolis became the first municipality in Alabama to declare National Pro Bono Week,  October 25-31, 2009.  President-elect of the Alabama Bar Association and  Demopolis native Alyce Manley Spruell was instrumental in promoting the proclamation.

Manley Spruell cited the vast unmet  need for legal assistance among the poor of Alabama, and  Demopolis Mayor Mike Gayson  noted that  "This is an opportunity to be part of a worthy program."

In June, Alabama Governor  Bob Riley  issued a similar proclamation declaring October 25-31 as Pro Bono Week for the entire state.  The week will feature clinics and other forms of legal assistance for low income Alabamians as well as programs designed to recruit additional pro bono attorneys. A free  legal clinic for low income residents will be held in Demopolis during Pro Bono Week.

Information for this article first appeared in the Demopolis Times on July 24, 2009. Click here for more information.