Tallahassee Democrat
Attorney gives of his time generously
For the public good
By James L. Rosica
Thursday, December 12, 2002
For the past 20 years, attorney Richard M. Smith has helped
senior citizens with their legal needs, free of charge.
But Smith, like many volunteers, doesn't want any accolades.
"I'm no saint," the 80-year-old Tallahasseean said. "I'm just a
country lawyer."
His assistant, attorney Twyla Sketchley, sat behind his shoulder
and silently mouthed, "He is a saint."
Every month, Smith visits the Smith Williams Center in the Bond
community and the Wakulla County Senior Citizens Council building
in Crawfordville to advise seniors on wills, power of attorney and
other legal matters.
Smith practiced law for a living until 1982. Since then, he's
been semi-retired, devoting himself to helping fellow seniors who
are needy.
"I'm getting unable to do much physically, but my brain hasn't
quit," said Smith, who walks with a cane. "And I'd rather people
ask a foolish question now than have them make a dumb mistake
later."
Smith and Sketchley helped Beatrice Jackson at the Smith
Williams Center on Wednesday. Jackson, who said she was "over 60,"
needed help with estate planning.
"He's not through with me yet ... but he's done a real good
job," said Jackson, a retired state worker.
Over the years, Smith said, he's helped clients with not only
wills but also adoptions, divorces and even animal control cases.
"Someone's cat was bit by a dog, as I recall," he said.
Smith coordinates his volunteer lawyering through Legal Services
of North Florida, a nonprofit organization serving low-income
families and individuals.
"He's such a fine, fine person," said executive director Kris
Knab. Without him, "there would be a huge (number) of people who
would go without assistance. ... We're so impressed with his
dedication and commitment."
Also impressed is his cousin, Chesterfield Smith, former
president of the American Bar Association and chairman emeritus of
the state's powerful Holland & Knight law firm.
"I'm real proud of him," said Smith, 85, who went to the
University of Florida's law school at the same time as Richard.
"Even then, he would worry about pro bono work and has done it most
of his life."
