BY KAREN BOSSICK

More than two dozen lawyers in Blaine County have offered to provide free legal services during the COVID-19 emergency to those providing essential services in Blaine County. The offer also extends to Blaine County residents who have been victimized by the virus.

Those eligible for the legal services include doctors, nurses, hospital staff, EMTs, pharmacists, police and fire personnel, grocery store clerks and those who have lost their jobs or face eviction from their home due to the virus.

There are no financial criteria needed to apply for the program. Areas to be addressed include wills, living wills, landlord/tenant relations, employment, collections, family and criminal law.

The attorneys banded together to offer the service because they believe those battling the virus or those victimized by it should not have to contend alone with legal problems.

“It comes down to the fact we all live and work here and appreciate the skill and courage exhibited by those on the front line fighting the virus,” said Attorney Ed Lawson. “And we sympathize with those victimized by it. The least we can do is watch their backs.”

The Idaho State Bar is coordinating with the attorneys to screen and connect those eligible for services with an attorney familiar with the appropriate area of law.

Those interested in obtaining legal services should contact Susan R. Pierson, director of the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program by filling out an on-line application at: https://laserfiche.isb.idaho.gov/Forms/Blaine-Co. Or, send an email to spierson@isbidaho.gov.

For more information, call Ed Lawson at Lawson Laski Clark, PLLC at 208-725-0055 or email eal@lawsonlaski.com.