Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1476674
Inching closer to justice for all IN MIDDLE GEORGIA'S ROBUST LEGAL COMMUNITY, PUBLIC-FACING AND NONPROFIT LEADERS SHINE A LIGHT ON THE ESSENTIAL NEEDS OF JUSTICE BY JULIA RUBENS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT ODOM AND JESSICA WHITLEY "O ne of the things I would like people to know is that the door is open," Tina Hunt emphasized. In a profession known for charging by the minute and its busy schedules, hearing a lawyer say this is surprising. But as executive director of the Federal Defenders of the Middle District of Georgia Inc., Hunt is willing to take the time to serve. Far from wondering about billable hours, the legal professionals on her team, who provide criminal defense representation for those charged in federal court, "are all incredibly dedicated to the mission and dedicated to making sure people have a voice – that they are not just a statistic, that they are seen as people." This enthusiasm is not rare among lawyers who choose service in Macon and Middle Georgia. In fact, there are a number of organizations and individuals with a heart for service here in the heart of Georgia. MISSION OVER MARGIN Even in an area where the percentage of persons in poverty is more than double the national average (US Census Bureau, 2020), these professionals working in legal services for the public and nonprofit sector defy the stereotype of beleaguered. They are energized to try to meet the immense need, and the door is eagerly open. "When it comes to federal law, if you have a question, we can probably answer it," said Hunt, who encourages people to contact the office. Elizabeth Waller offers the same advice as managing attorney for Macon's regional office of Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP). GLSP provides access to justice and opportunities out of poverty through free civil legal services. Though the organization is set up to serve low-income clients generally under 200% of the poverty level, Waller explained that they encourage everyone to call 833-GLSPLAW to see if they qualify. And if they don't, GLSP still tries to refer them. Trying to make connections for those who have needs, even across a complex web of charitable organizations and government services, is how these leaders practice the law. When the door opens to District Attorney Anita Reynolds Howard's office, which serves the Macon Judicial Circuit, she's often stepping out of it. "If we expect to serve this community from these four walls, we are sadly mistaken. We have got to be intentional about engagement," Howard said. In practice, this means some innovative ideas, like bringing along a victim advocate to public events in case citizens have information to share to the office. An emotional support dog, Lamar, sat in Howard's office during her interview. Lamar's role is unorthodox, and not everyone may understand how keeping a pup in the office maintains public safety, but Howard explained that he gets results. For example, a victim of childhood sexual abuse requested Lamar on the day the child was set to testify in their case. Howard won the conviction. "He's another tool that we use to promote justice," Howard said about Lamar. Howard's community engagement practices extend past prosecution. Keeping up with cases is a time-consuming job, 54 maconmagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022