It's estimated that nearly 70% of Americans with a legal need don't have the access or means to obtain an attorney. This pervasive issue in the legal world is known as the “Justice Gap.” The justice gap refers to the disparity between those who have the means to navigate and benefit from the legal system and those who do not. This disparity often disproportionately affects marginalized communities, low-income households, and other vulnerable populations. Our goals is to bridge this divide. At Shakhan & Wilkerson Law we are committed to closing the justice gap for all Georgians by providing equal access to high quality legal representation.

We are accomplishing this goal by offering (1) payment plans with a reduced initial retainer followed up by affordable monthly payments; (2) a sliding scale fee for low-income clients that are recipients of either SNAP benefits, specific Medicaid programs, or the Federal Housing Choice Voucher (formerly known as Section 8); (3) subscription plans, for clients seeking legal consultation and basic document review; and (4) expanded pro bono services.

We aim to be Georgia's most innovative and accessible law firm. By offering sliding scale legal services we are moving in the right direction. Sliding scale fees involve a flexible fee structure based on an individual's income and ability to pay for our legal assistance. This model is mostly for seniors but aims to make legal representation more affordable and accessible for individuals with varying financial means. This approach also helps level the playing field and promotes equitable access to legal assistance, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or financial resources, can seek justice and protect their rights within the legal system. In order to take advantage of this plan at Shakhan & Wilkerson Law a client must qualify by showing proof of their tax returns, receipt of federal vouchers, or Georgia state benefits.

Our legal subscription plan is yet another service offered by our law firm to assist in closing the justice gap. Legal subscription plans provide a predictable cost structure, encourage proactive legal support, and foster an ongoing relationship between prospective clients and our legal team. This model aims to make legal services more affordable, accessible, and readily available for individuals seeking consistent legal guidance without the legal advice or representation. This model provides clients with consistent access to our legal team and mimics other subscription plans you may be more familiar with such as Amazon Prime, Apple Music, or Spotify. These clients pay a recurring monthly fee that may be cancelled at any time.

Finally, we have expanded our pro bono legal services to assist the most vulnerable Georgians. "Pro bono" is derived from the Latin phrase "pro bono publico," meaning "for the public good." With this expanded service we now provide more legal assistance to families who cannot afford traditional legal representation, “for the good.” We do so in the spirit of community service. We offer up our expertise and time to help those most in need, particularly in underserved communities. These services aim to promote equal access to justice and uphold the principles of fairness and advocacy within society. We will announce when we are accepting pro bono applications for consideration.

Shakhan and Wilkerson Law Firm will continue to be a beacon of light and hope for families in crisis. We are determined to close the justice gap and deliver on our promise to provide expert legal services to all Georgians.