Kansas Free Legal Answers to celebrate one-year anniversary on Law Day
The Kansas Bar Association will celebrate the first anniversary of Kansas Free Legal Answers on Law Day this Thursday. This virtual legal advice clinic, hosted by the American Bar Association and funded by the Kansas Bar Foundation, allows income-eligible Kansans to submit legal questions for volunteer attorneys to answer. Kansas is among 42 states participating in this national program.
In its first 10 months, 550 individuals submitted 564 questions across various legal topics including family law, housing, consumer rights, employment/unemployment and civil rights. Family law issues dominated at 30% of inquiries, followed by housing concerns at 14%.
“Free Legal Answers provides a frictionless opportunity for Kansas residents to get access to legal advice,” said Mitch Biebighauser, KBA Access to Justice Committee member. “Breaking down barriers between individuals and their rights is crucial to operating a society governed by the rule of law.”
Law Day was selected as the launch date of Kansas Free Legal Answers in 2024 to introduce the program and to generate interest for attorneys looking for pro bono opportunities.
“The program offers attorneys flexible pro bono opportunities with a 24/7 platform and customizable time commitments,” says Martha Coffman, chair of the KBA’s access to justice committee.
Law Day was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958. The 2025 theme, ‘The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One,’ focuses on shared responsibilities under the Constitution and celebrates how the Constitution bridges differences and fosters unity through civic duties such as government service and community programs.