ADVERTORIAL — Jon Comstock was recently recognized by Legal Aid of Arkansas as Outstanding Volunteer Attorney for Benton County. He has donated countless hours of Pro Bono legal aid to give ‘access to justice’ to all, including those who lack the finances.

According to Comstock, “A portion of our professional code reminds us that we are privileged to be able to practice law. We routinely talk about ‘access to justice’ and our pride in being an American. What does it really mean? Surely it means that each person should have the opportunity, regardless of their financial circumstances, to the advice and counsel of a person learned in the law; i.e. an attorney.”

Comstock has worked at Wal-Mart Legal since 1994. He started its first in-house litigation group and was responsible for complex civil litigation. He currently provides primary legal support to the Data Security group and to the Privacy Office at Wal-Mart as Associate General Counsel.

Comstock noted that one of five Arkansans qualify for "legal aid" services. Yet, Legal Aid of Arkansas does not have near enough staff attorneys or financial support to meet that basic need. “The gap can only be filled if every practicing attorney takes on a portion of that need by performing Pro Bono work,” said Comstock. “For me personally, ‘access to justice’ means access to an attorney for the purpose of receiving legal advice.”

Comstock graduated from Oklahoma State University at Stillwater and the University of Tulsa College of Law. He is a Certified Information Privacy Professional of the International Association of Privacy Professionals. Serving as a Board Member of Legal Aid of Arkansas, he was past recipient of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Amigo Award and Department of Justice, Pro Bono Panel Member for Bureau of Immigration Appeals. Comstock also serves on the national Board of Directors for American Judicature Society.

Comstock cites a Pro Bono case in which he was able to work through a complicated immigration issue that resulted in U.S. citizenship for his client. His advice to clients, “Tell all of the facts to the your attorney. We really can't help you working from incomplete facts.”