Guard Renews Free Services from Maine Trial Lawyers

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Maj. Gen. John W. Libby The Adjutant General for the Maine National Guard stands with the attorneys from the Maine Trial Lawyers.

AUGUSTA, ME (01/19/2010)(readMedia)-- The Maine National Guard renewed its' agreement with the Maine Trial Lawyers today at Camp Keyes, Augusta, ensuring Servicemembers and their families continue to get free or low cost legal services.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by Major General John W. Libby, The Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard and Daniel J. Stevens, attorney with Pierce Atwood, continuing their eight year relationship.

Walter F. McKee, attorney with Lipman Katz and McKee, who was honored at the ceremony for his continued effort to the program, said the MTL supplements where the legal branch of the military, the Judge Adjutant General Corps, is restricted.

"JAG officers have a limited ability to do things that don't involve direct Military issues. What the trial lawyers have done is talk to Soldiers about their civilian problems, which is our area of expertise" said McKee.

For Soldiers like Sgt. 1st Class Samantha L. Remington the trial lawyers have done more than just talk. She turned to her unit leadership when legal troubles involving her child become more than she could handle.

Lt.Col Robert P. Crowley, who worked with Stevens and Libby on initiating the program, sent her to the Maine Trial Lawyers.

"I was in their office and was assisted right on the spot; they listened and acted" said Remington. "As a parent you beg and beg for help and there was no help until Stevens and the Trial Lawyers stepped in."

"After I spoke to them was the first time in a while that I was able to sleep at night," said Remington.

Servicemembers should go through their own JAG first said McKee. "The JAG will be able to direct issues to the correct person." They try to find assistance for Servicemembers catered to their location and what their specific issues are.

Lawyers like McKee work beyond there normal business hours to provide Maine Guard Servicemembers with free or low cost legal services.

McKee and Stevens, along with Malcolm L. Lyons, an attorney with Pierce Atwood, were recognized at the ceremony today as three lawyers who have gone above and beyond and made a difference for the Guard.

"It's so rewarding to be of service to Servicemembers" said Lyons. "We never have any trouble finding a lawyer who is ready to help; the past eight years have been very rewarding."