Monmouth Bar Association Launches Reduced Fee Program for Residents Needing Legal Assistance

Freehold, NJ – The Monmouth Bar Association has announced a new program that will pair
qualifying applicants with attorneys who will accept reduced fees for legal representation. This
program will serve those individuals needing legal services whose incomes are above the required
range to obtain assistance from the Legal Aid Society or a public defender, but who cannot afford to
retain attorneys at full rates.

This program is the first of its kind in Monmouth County and the fourth in the state. It is designed to
fill a growing need for lower income members of our community, especially those who have fallen on
hard times during the pandemic. The program will match qualified applicants with attorneys who
have the background and experience needed to provide appropriate representation at an affordable
rate.

“I’m excited that after a year of planning, we are now able to launch the program. Our goal is to
ensure that as many people as possible have access to counsel to help navigate the legal system.
There are so many litigants who need help, but do not qualify for the current programs.”
To participate in the program, applicants for legal services must provide proof that they meet the
financial requirements. Litigants with a household income that is up to 300% of the poverty level in
Monmouth County can qualify.

This information can be found by contacting Executive Director Tracey Settipane at 732-431-5544 or
visiting MonmouthBarAssociation.com.

Those individuals who do not qualify for Legal Aid or public defender services will be referred to an
attorney who is a member of the Monmouth Bar Association Reduced Fee Program panel of
lawyers. These panel attorneys are willing to accept clients on a reduced fee basis. The reduced

fees are set forth on the Monmouth Bar Association website, MonmouthBarAssociation.com. The
rates will either be a flat fee or a reduced hourly rate, depending upon the type of case.
Attorneys who wish to participate in the program can apply by contacting the Monmouth Bar
Association at 732-431-5544 or visiting our website MonmouthBarAssociation.com. Attorneys must
have knowledge and experience within the practice area for which they will provide services.

“We are thankful that so many of our attorney members have stepped up to participate in this
program,” said Tracey Settipane, Executive Director of the Monmouth Bar Association. “We hope it
will be a win-win for all involved.”