The Philip S. Huffman Memorial Award recognizes the commitment of volunteer time to Legal Services of Southern Missouri clients by a private attorney in its rural service area. The award was established in memory of Philip S. Huffman who served as a board member of Legal Services of Southern Missouri from 1996 until his death in 2005. Mr. Huffman was involved in the development of Legal Aid of Southwest Missouri in the mid-1970’s. He practiced law in Hartville, Missouri for over 37 years, and had a strong commitment to Legal Services and helping low-income persons in Southern Missouri. This award was established and funded by the Roy W. Slusher Foundation.
Cameron Parker received her law degree from Mississippi College School of Law. Cameron is with the law firm of Welch & Parker in Malden, Missouri. She joined LSSM’s judicare and pro bono panels in 2005. Cameron is a true advocate for the poor and disadvantaged. Her willingness to help has ensured many low-income families a chance to be heard; an opportunity they would not have had without her. Cameron is always willing to take cases, and our clients enjoy working with her and are grateful for her work.
During her tenure of helping Legal Services clients, Ms. Parker has handled more than 130 cases for low-income people living in rural Missouri providing 1,137 hours of legal representation. Ms. Parker has represented low-income individuals with custody matters, divorces, minor guardianship/conservatorship, paternity, Medicaid, and bankruptcy. Ms. Parker has been a true advocate for victims of domestic and sexual violence by handling their cases and ensuring their safety.
LSSM provides free legal assistance to people living at or below poverty level. LSSM receives over 11,000 applications each year and with current resources is able to assist 2,500 clients. The service area includes the counties of: Barry, Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cedar, Christian, Crawford, Dade, Dallas, Dent, Douglas, Dunklin, Gasconade, Greene, Howell, Iron, Laclede, Lawrence, Madison, Maries, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Phelps, Polk, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Stone, Taney, Texas, Wayne, Webster and Wright.
LSSM has offices located in Springfield, West Plains, Rolla, Charleston, and Cape Girardeau.