Local Rule LR 83.11: Indigent Representation -- Statement of Policy
S.D. Ga. — Attorney rule
LR 83.11 Indigent Representation -- Statement of Policy. The historic and present obligation of the bar to provide legal counsel and representation to those who cannot afford to pay is recognized and established as the policy of this Court. In years past, before the organization and funding of legal services corporations and the enactment of legislation providing payment for services in appointive criminal cases, many lawyers fairly and dutifully responded to the call for indigent representation. Increasingly, it is perceived that lawyers who regularly and frequently practice in this Court have no contact whatsoever with the indigent client in civil or criminal cases. This Court will not participate in or permit an abdication of the lawyer's fundamental responsibility to provide legal services to indigents. It is observed that such services are more effective and produce greater professional fulfillment when provided voluntarily rather than compulsorily. All members of the bar of this Court who possess the mental and physical ability, regardless of age, are expected to provide legal services, on occasion, to indigents. See also, LCrR 44.1.
The roll of attorneys as provided to the judicial officers by the Clerk's Office shall constitute the "panel of attorneys" as that term is used in the Plan for the Implementation of the Criminal Justice Act of 1964, As Amended, which plan is a public record available at each divisional office of the Clerk of this Court.
In making appointments for attorneys to represent indigent in criminal or civil cases, the Magistrates Judges, the Clerk, and the District Judges shall consider the frequency of the appearances of lawyers in civil or criminal cases in this Court without regard to the residency or principal office maintained by the lawyer. Those lawyers whose appearances predominate in a particular division shall be given preference for appointments in such division, but shall be subject to appointment to a case in any division of this Court.