Law firm renews $30,000 commitment in legal assistance

NonprofitPeople

Feb 6

Beth Wells Skaggs
Photo courtesy of Varnum

Varnum has pledged to provide another $30,000 to support the Legal Assistance Center (LAC), a nonprofit legal self-help center that helps individuals solve basic legal problems and use the courts on their own.

The LAC serves people involved in civil matters, such as divorce, custody, child support, parenting time, landlord/tenant matters, small claims, and debt collection. In 2023, the organization provided support to more than 27,000 patrons in Kent County with basic legal issues.

“We are proud to continue our support for the work being done by the Legal Assistance Center. The LAC plays a crucial role in Kent County, providing services to individuals in need while strengthening the entire legal community,” said Beth Wells Skaggs, Varnum Partner and former Board Member of the LAC.

Varnum attorney Justin Allen has also joined the LAC Board of Trustees.

Allen is a member of Varnum’s Litigation and ADR Practice Team, focusing on probate litigation and representing clients in hearings, depositions, trial, and appellate proceedings. He addresses will contests, trust disputes, guardianship, and conservatorship challenges, and petitions for mental health treatment, while also handling complex commercial litigation across various fields.

Varnum has been involved with the LAC since its inception in 2002, providing financial support and leadership.

The LAC, located on the 5th floor of the Kent County Courthouse at 180 Ottawa Ave., is staffed by five employees and more than 30 student volunteers in pre-law, paralegal, or other related programs at local universities. The center operates 32 hours weekly, providing basic legal information, forms, resources, and guidance. People are referred to the LAC in multiple ways, including by Friend of the Court, Legal Aid, various bar associations, attorneys, and others involved in the court system. Learn more at https://legalassistancecenter.org/.