Story provided by Stillwater Public Library
The Payne County Bar Association (PCBA) and the Stillwater Public Library (SPL) will co-host their free annual “Ask-a-Lawyer” event at the Stillwater Public Library on Monday, May 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lawyers will meet one-on-one with community members on a first-come, first-served basis.
Attendees can ask questions on most legal topics, including consumer matters, family law, wills and estate planning, property, personal injury and criminal issues. Participants should not ask questions that pertain to current in-court cases.
Payne County Bar Association President Zachary Yarborough looks forward to engaging with community members at “Ask-a-Lawyer.”
“This event helps to create a better understanding of the legal profession while benefitting the local community by providing free legal advice on a broad range of legal topics,” Yarborough said.
All questions and conversations with attorneys are confidential. When possible, librarians will pair attendees with lawyers who have expertise that aligns with their topic. Participants are encouraged to bring a list of questions they plan to ask and any documents related to the issue.
Brenna Gilchrist, adult services librarian, will be available to help community members match with a lawyer.
“Librarians are able to help people find information and resources, but we cannot help people interpret the law,” Gilchrist said. “We are very grateful to the PCBA lawyers for their time and expertise.”
“Ask-a-Lawyer” is part of “Law Day,” a national initiative that aims to provide the public with access to and knowledge of the legal system while highlighting the role of attorneys in the community.
Those unable to attend can visit the Oklahoma Bar Association website (OBA) at okbar.org/freelegalinfo. The OBA’s website has short YouTube videos available on common legal topics. Additionally, librarians at the Help Desk can assist with searching databases or finding books on legal subjects.
The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. Library hours are Monday- Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.