Base legal office implements new website with procedure changes Published Oct. 8, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Christopher S. Stoltz Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The Maxwell Air Force Base legal office, located in building 804, is implementing changes to its operating procedures, effective Nov. 8, in order to better help personnel here. "The changes we are making to our Legal Assistance program will put more emphasis on the needs of the client," said Capt. Clayton M. Fuller, chief of Civil Law, Legal Assistance, and Claims, 42nd Air Base Wing. "In switching to an appointment-based system, we hope to maximize the number of clients seen while also minimizing the unpredictability of a walk-in system that can place heavy demands on the attorneys." The switch to an appointment-based system is not the only new idea being implemented at the base legal office. A website is also being introduced to help educate potential clients about legal matters and allow them to provide feedback for the base legal office. "The website does three things," said Capt. Fuller. "First, it provides a wealth of information to the client before they step a foot into an attorney's office. Second, in the case of wills and powers of attorney, it provides our attorneys and paralegals the necessary information to help the client in a more efficient manner. Third, the customer surveys will provide the attorneys with a wealth of information on what we are doing well and, more importantly, on what we can improve in order to serve the Maxwell-Gunter community better." Marsha M. Yasuda, deputy staff judge advocate, 42nd Air Base Wing, said by implementing the website, the office hopes to make interactions with the base population more effective, more accurate and faster. "It gives the clients extra time to ensure the information they submit is completely accurate," Capt. Yasuda said. "We see many cases where a client comes into our office and hasn't fully considered all of the decisions they need to make for the drafting of their will. I believe the changes in our procedures will be very beneficial." Capt. Fuller said while some of the procedures may have changed, the legal assistance hours will remain the same. Legal assistance is available from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday and Thursday, from 1 to 3:15 p.m. Tuesday and 9 to 9:30 a.m Friday. Air War College and Air Command and Staff College students can contact the base legal office if this schedule conflicts with their schedule of classes. "In my mind, legal assistance is the most important thing we do," he said. "With this in mind, the legal office needs to do everything it can to make the program more efficient and responsive to our clients." For more information about the base legal office, visit its website at https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil or call 953-2786.