Public Employee Press

MELS lawyers answer members’ questions

The union’s first “Ask a Lawyer Night,” held April 8 by DC 37’s Municipal Employees Legal Services program, went so well that MELS plans to hold another in the fall.

Participants sent in their specific questions as they registered to attend and MELS matched them with a lawyer or legal assistant who specializes in their particular issue.

While members can make an appointment to speak with a lawyer or attend free MELS workshops, this was the first program where they could ask questions directly to MELS attorneys and staff.

“The feedback from the members was very positive,” said Joan L. Beranbaum, director and chief counsel of the free legal service.

Before the individual consultations provided to 36 members, MELS legal experts made brief presentations on bankruptcy and consumer issues. The staff also handed out brochures that covered tricky issues like hiring a contractor for home repairs, what to do if you’re contacted by a debt collector, and the Federal Reserve’s new credit card regulations that took effect in February.

The 14 MELS attorneys and legal assistants who participated “did an outstanding job,” Beranbaum said.