FDIC Federal Register Citations

From: Workman, Amos A. [mailto:aworkman@wyche.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2008 8:57 AM
To: Comments
Cc: Upstate Community Mediation Center; shannon.scruggs@scbar.org
Subject: RIN# 3064-AD37

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing in support of unlimited FDIC insurance coverage on IOLTA accounts. I know the ABA supports unlimited coverage and, although I personally am not an ABA member, I join it in asking you to consider expanding the coverage. I see first hand how IOLTA funds have vastly benefited our judicial workings here in South Carolina. More specifically, I am an attorney and chairperson of the Upstate Community Mediation Centre here in Greenville, South Carolina. We are a non-profit organisation that provides mediation services to the Family, Civil and Probate Courts. This mediation service is essential to the fair administration of justice, as our courts require mediation and many people simply cannot afford private mediators. We often do 2-3 mediations a day. The SC Bar Foundation is most instrumental and primary in funding our work with IOLTA funds, though we do receive support from churches, some grants and a donor fundraising event. The Centre's program is critical to the work of equal justice for all in the upstate of South Carolina (3-4 counties), most especially in the Family Court area. I am proud to have been a volunteer and board member at the Centre for several years now and feel that we do a good service to the community and for the courts.

Of course, I am also aware at a local level how IOLTA sourced funds help disadvantaged citizenry in our area, like legal aid. Indeed the Centre works closely with our local legal services offices and being sure mediation services are readily available to legal services clients. I know first hand how important quality legal aid services are to our community.

During these troubling times it is all the more important that these organisations not unduly suffer from reduced funding. Your action in expanding the coverage will be a key step in assuring reasonable and ongoing funds for organisations like the Mediation Centre so they can function effectively and provide the essential services.

Thank you for your consideration of these personal reflections.
Respectfully submitted:
Amos Workman

Amos A. Workman
Wyche, Burgess, Freeman and Parham, P.A.
Post Office Box 728
44 East Camperdown Way
Greenville, South Carolina USA 29602