More than 300 people received free legal advice from local attorneys and legal service agencies Saturday at the first Access to Justice Fair.

The event was a part of the American Bar Association's National Pro-Bono Celebration week.

"I think this is way for the legal community to give back to the El Paso community," said Alberto Mesa, branch manager for Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, a nonprofit organization that offers free legal services. "This is a way for people to talk to an attorney for free, get information from presentations, and just know that attorneys are here to help them."

The fair at El Paso Community College's Valle Verde Campus offered more than 25 presentations on topics such as bankruptcy, immigration, protective orders, workers' rights and child-support enforcement.

"Here in El Paso, because we have a high poverty rate, there's only one attorney for every 11,000 people that qualify for our services," Mesa said. "It's really important to seek legal advice because it allows people to be informed about options available.

"Many times, avoiding the problem can make it worse."

Mesa was one of about 50 lawyers who provided private consultations at the fair. He also delivered a presentation on consumer rights and credit issues.

Eddie Hernandez and his wife, Rossana, who attended Mesa's presentation, said the fair was helpful in answering questions about their legal matters.

The couple sought help for a problem they were having with a business.

"Well, from (Mesa) we learned that we can submit a demand letter to the company and if they still refuse to pay, then we can definitely take them to civil court," Eddie Hernandez said.

The fair also presented educational videos about the litigation and courthouse process, and the effects that parents' behavior during divorce has on children.

Organizations including Diocesan Migrant Refugee Services, the County Attorney's office, and the Texas Civil Rights Project provided additional legal advice at information tables.

Carlos C?rdenas, president of the El Paso Bar Association, said it is important for attorneys to help clients who can and can't afford their services.

"We believe that justice is not and should not be only for those that can afford it," he said.

"There's legal service agencies, government agencies and private attorneys all together under one roof, so it's almost like one-stop shopping for all these people that are in need of our help.

Organizers said they would like to have the event annually.

April Lopez may be reached at alopez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6262.