Justice Quince asks Bar to boost pro bono effort.

The Florida Bar should look at ways to boost pro bono work and contributions, continue its efforts at civic education for the public, and continue to protect the independence of the judicial branch.

Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince brought that message to the Bar Board of Governors at its February 17 meeting in Tallahassee, speaking for Chief Justice Barbara Pariente, who was unable to attend. At its annual Tallahassee meeting, the board traditionally hears from the chief justice.

"I am really surprised that in our public schools, you only need half a credit in civics education and that's late in the curriculum," Quince said. "We need to start early so our young people understand the importance of the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch and the part each plays."

The Bar's recent efforts, which include surveys of citizens' knowledge about government and the separation of powers and a public education campaign are helping, she said.

"We think it is a good step toward making sure the people understand the importance of the three branches of government," Quince said. "It will increase the public's trust and confidence in the judicial system and the public trust and confidence in lawyers, who are our judicial system."

The justice noted the board meeting came the day after annual pro bono awards were presented at the Supreme Court. The "most recent figures show that Bar members contributed 1.5 million hours in pro bono work and $3.8 million to pro bono legal aid agencies.

While impressive, "I think we can do even more," Quince said, adding the numbers have been static for about three years.

"We can get out of pro bono [work] by contributing $350. Well, $350 is probably less than many of you and many of your colleagues make in an hour," Quince said.

Given many unmet needs, the Bar should encourage its members to do more than the minimum of a $350 donation or 20 hours annually in the voluntary pro bono program, she said.

"Only about 25 percent of the legal needs of our [poor] are being met and over half the children in our legal system have no lawyer or no guardian ad litem," Quince said. "There's a lot of work to be done, and with your help and the help of all of us who are members of The Florida Bar, we can get there."

On judicial independence, Quince said the court needs help both in responding to political attacks and in obtaining enough...