Retired Associate Circuit Judge Thomas Funk to provide free legal services for qualified clients at Hope on 5th

[February 13, 2024]   Regional Housing and Supportive Services, Inc. (RHSS) has announced that in cooperation with Land of Lincoln Legal Aid’s Northern Regional Office (NRO), a legal services office has opened at Hope on 5th, the former St. Clara’s Manor Nursing Home at 200 5th Street in Lincoln.

The office will be primarily staffed by former Logan County Associate Circuit Judge, Tom Funk, who will see clients by appointment only. Funk retired about one year ago from his judicial duties and is resuming legal practice primarily to represent those referred to him through his role as in house pro bono attorney at Land of Lincoln Legal Aid. Judge Funk said, “I have dedicated my career to helping the residents of Logan County and I look forward to this new chapter providing pro bono assistance to our low-income residents.”

Land of Lincoln Legal Aid is a not-for-profit law firm that provides free legal services to low-income individuals in civil legal cases in 65 counties through five regional offices. Its Northern Regional Office based in Springfield provides services to Logan County. The NRO’s Managing Attorney Melinda Hubele said, “I am delighted to have an office space in Logan County so folks there can get the help they need without having to travel to Springfield.”

The office is the first of the many services to be offered at the Hope on 5th location, which features social services needed by veterans and others transitioning from unstable housing situations to stable housing.

RHSS Chairperson Kim Turner said, “People in this community need this kind of help that has not been available. This is an essential addition to the supportive services that will be available to residents at Hope on 5th. We are working hard to get the facility ready so that we can provide temporary housing options and supportive wrap-around services to people in need.”

Those wishing to apply for free legal services should call Land of Lincoln Legal Aid’s Legal Advice and Referral Center at [phone]. Land of Lincoln will see clients at the Logan County office by appointment only and will not accept walk-ins. Land of Lincoln provides legal help in the areas of family law, housing, homeownership/
foreclosure, public benefits, consumer, criminal records sealing and expungement, advanced directives, and education. For more information, please contact Melinda Hubele at [phone].

[Patti (Becker) Schonauer
Administrative Director
The United Way of Logan County]