Modest Means Panel

Modest Means Program
of the Schenectady County Bar Association

 

mission statement:

The mission of the Modest Means Program is to meet the overwhelming need for access to the justice system for moderate-income individuals with Matrimonial/Family Law needs, where legal aid and pro bono assistance is not possible, and household resources are insufficient to pay prevailing hourly rates for legal services.  The Modest Means Program will meet this need by providing moderate-income individuals access to a panel of attorneys who besides providing a public service, will also have the opportunity to broaden their practice.

 

subject matter eligibility:

Matrimonial/Family Law – the Modest Means Panel will only address matrimonial and family law matters:

 

geographic eligibility:

The client must have a case in Schenectady County.  The individual does not have to reside in this County.

 

client eligibility:

1. To qualify for a referral to a Modest Means Panel Attorney, the individual (or co-signor if applicable) must complete a financial eligibility statement, attach six (6) weeks of their most recent pay stubs, and meet the following income levels*:

 

Number in Household                                     Total Annual Income  Total Monthly Income

            1                                                                      $26,000                       $2,166
            2                                                                      $35,000                       $2,916
            3                                                                      $44,000                       $3,666
            4                                                                      $53,000                       $4,416
            5                                                                      $62,000                       $5,166
            6                                                                      $71,000                       $5,916
            7                                                                      $80,000                       $6,666
            8                                                                      $89,000                       $7,416
            Each additional person                                   +$9,000                       $   750

* Child support received is not calculated in the monthly income range.  In addition, the individual must not have a Net Worth or interest in a marital estate which is the subject of the instant litigation in excess of $2,000 cash assets; $2,500 liquid assets; or $20,000 equity in a primary/marital residence where minor children do not reside.

1. Modest Means staff may request, and the client shall be required to provide, documentation from the client relative to income.

 

1. Applicants who qualify for Legal Aid services or other low-income legal services such as The Legal Project shall not be deemed eligible for a Modest Means referral.

 

fees:

The fee charged to the client for the initial one hour consultation shall be no more than $50.  Modest Means Panel attorneys agree to charge no more than the following fees for clients referred to them by the Panel:

Hourly Fees

$100.00

Retainer Fee

$1,000

 

fees to the modest means panel:

Clients shall pay a $15.00 non-refundable processing fee to the Schenectady County Bar Association.

 

requirements for panel membership:

1.         All members must show evidence that they have malpractice insurance currently in effect in the minimum amount of $100,000.00 single occurrence and $300,000.00 aggregate per year.

2.         Panel Membesr must meet the Statement of Qualifications.

4.         There are no added fees to attorneys who participate on the Modest Means Panel.

 

referral procedures:

Clients will be assigned to Panel Members on a rotational basis, in order to guarantee that all participating attorneys have equal opportunity.

Modest Means Program
of the Schenectady County Bar Association

CLIENT INTAKE FORM - Download

To See if You Qualify please complete form and:

 

Mail completed form to :
SCBA
PO Box 1728
Schenectady, NY  12301
393-4115