Emily Cutts’ article about new attorney Everald Henry and the bar advocates who serve our communities was a welcome glimpse into the reality of being a lawyer in the upper Valley (“Voice for the indigent,” April 28).
Nearly every attorney I know does bar advocate work or did so in the past. The experience of representing people who could not otherwise afford my services broadens my world view and enriches my work.
Unlike other counties in Massachusetts, we have no full-time bar advocates in Franklin and Hampshire counties. All of the work is done by private attorneys and coordinated by county bar associations.
The work of mentors like Colleen Currie and John Drake benefit not just the young lawyers and their clients, but the legal community as a whole. Attorneys like them are the reason why I’d never practice law anywhere else.
Lisa G. Kent
Amherst
The writer is president of the Franklin County Bar Association.