Local Attorney Recognized

Andrew M. Thaler, Esq.

Garden City resident Andrew M. Thaler was named pro bono attorney of the month in September by the Nassau County Bar Association. Mr. Thaler who helped to organize the Volunteer Lawyers Project's Bankruptcy Clinic in 1990, was honored for his work in assisting indigent and financially troubled residents of Nassau County.

The Bankruptcy Clinics, which are held bi-monthly at the Nassau County Bar Association, provide Mr. Thaler and other members of the bar association an opportunity to interview, screen and counsel the attendees regarding their financial problems. Those deemed eligible to file bankruptcy and who also qualify for free legal services are thereafter referred to members of the bar association, including Mr. Thaler, who donate their time and firm's resources in further meetings with the client, assisting in the preparation of papers necessary to file bankruptcy and accompanying the client, in court for the processing of their case.

Those in need of assistance include both the young and elderly and persons from all walks of life. A large percentage of those served have incurred insurmountable debt as a result of serious misfortune including mental or physical illness, permanent disability and broken marriages. Since 2001, Mr. Thaler has volunteered 180 hours.