Military lawyers stand by to help.

Military lawyers in Florida who need assistance with problems related to local law can turn to The Florida Bar's Military Affairs Committee for help.

The Military Affairs Committee -- which functions to address issues unique to representation of military members and their families in both civil and criminal matters arising within the state -- is currently revising its directory of volunteer participating civilian attorneys, and new volunteers are welcomed. Operation Stand-By volunteers make themselves available to active duty military lawyers who seek help with legal assistance problems related to Florida law.

This service complements and enhances the delivery of legal services through the legal assistance programs at various military installations throughout the state, said Tampa Judge Gregory P. Holder, chair of the Military Affairs Committee.

"The intent here is to further strengthen the bond between The Florida Bar and the military lawyers serving here in the state, many of whom are not members of The Florida Bar," said Judge Holder, who also is a lieutenant colonel in U.S. Air Force reserves. "The Florida Bar, perhaps unlike any other profession, has done more in the way of voluntary service to military members and their dependents than any other profession.

The Military Affairs Committee works to gather and disseminate information, share expertise and advise the members of the Bar on all matters relating to the practice of military law in Florida, and has general jurisdiction regarding any problem which may arise relative to the provision of legal services to, for, or by members of the military establishment. The committee also works to enhance the cooperation and communication between local bars, the legal offices, and the judge advocates of the various military installations within the state.

The Operation Stand-By program is limited to advice on subjects which fall within the scope of legal assistance. Holder said the most frequently asked questions deal with landlord/tenant and family law.

"There is an outpouring of support by the civilian bar to help these people with the many legal problems that they...