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Local attorneys honored for pro bono case work By DANI DODGE Mail Tribune The state bar association honored Ashland attorney Barbara Jarvis and Medford attorney Bill Purdy Thursday for doing more free legal work than other Oregon lawyers in 2001. "Both Mr. Purdy and Ms. Jarvis clearly believe that with the privilege of a license to practice law comes a responsibility to do your part to create a fair and accessible legal system," said Ellen Hawes, the state bar's pro bono committee chairwoman. Each year, the Oregon State Bar's New Lawyers Division sponsors the Pro Bono Challenge to inspire lawyers and law students to increase the amount of free legal service given to charities and the poor. Jarvis contributed 260 hours and won the award for sole practitioners. Purdy contributed 375 hours and won in the emeritus category, which is for retired lawyers who retain an active law license. Purdy retired from private practice in 2001 but continues to do arbitration, mediation and pro bono work. "These numbers are truly remarkable and they reflect the very best that our profession has to offer," Hawes said. Kateri Walsh, spokeswoman for the Oregon State Bar, noted that Oregon has 11,000 attorneys, and most are in Portland. "So it is significant that Southern Oregon put up two winners," Walsh said. Purdy is a candidate for an open circuit court judge position. He faces Joe Charter and Walt Nunley in the May primary election. Purdy said he's been involved in interesting cases through Jackson County Legal Services. In one, a young couple was accused by their landlady of trespassing when they went to retrieve their dog from a rental home that had burned. Purdy sued the landlady for malicious prosecution, and she settled with the couple. In another, a woman and her son bought property from an elderly, disabled neighbor who had suffered two strokes and was unable to speak. They paid her no interest. Purdy was able to get the woman and her son to give the property back. "She was alone and felt very dependent and was very susceptible to caregivers," Purdy said. "She really needed help, but not their kind of help. "(Pro bono work) is really fun because you are helping someone who really needs it," he said. Jarvis could not be reached for comment. Debra Lee, executive director of Legal Services, said her agency relies on Jarvis to handle complicated family law matters. Lee described Purdy as "compassionate" and "invaluable." Walsh said a recent state study showed only 18 percent of those who need free or reduced fee legal help for civil cases get it. "People like Barbara Jarvis and Bill Purdy are giving a remarkable gift to their communities," Walsh said. "It's just a part of what we need to do to fill that gap." Awards for small, medium and large firms and individual attorney in a firm went to practices in Portland and Eugene. The University of Oregon School of Law won for law schools. Reach reporter Dani Dodge at 776-4471, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.