Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice’s Post

Today is publication day for my latest monograph, “Legal Aid and the Future of Access to Justice” co-authored with a formidable team of colleagues (Catrina Denvir, Jacqui Kinghan & Dan Newman), published by Hart Publishing and arising from research generously supported by Legal Aid Practitioners Group (LAPG) in the UK. This book presents the findings of the Legal Aid Census, through which we gathered firsthand accounts of access to justice from over 1000 current and former legal aid practitioners in England and Wales about: - Who goes into legal aid practice and why; - What it is like to work in legal aid as compared with other areas of legal practice; - The impact of Covid-19 on advice; and - Lawyers’ concerns and hopes for the future of access to justice To ensure that this data can used by others/be taken forward to inform policy and practice, the book has been published open access (free to download as an e-book for anyone, via bloomsburycollections.com). https://lnkd.in/gnyhhqKP

New on the blog! Dive into Legal Aid of North Carolina's Innovation Lab. From smart intake processes to a mobile legal services unit, this article unveils some of the steps we're taking to expand access to justice. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eBeQNXuu #LegalInnovation #accesstojustice

Legal Services Corporation (LSC) 50th Anniversary Luncheon and Gala | Washington, D.C | April 9, 2024 April 09, 2024 • 12:00pm - 9:15pm • “For 50 years, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) has been Protecting the Promise of justice for all by providing millions of Americans throughout the country with access to legal resources that have had a life-changing impact. But there is still more work to be done.” LSC ensures “Equal Justice Under Law” by enabling access to the justice system for low-income and vulnerable Americans. Help fund the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), which was created to promote equal access to justice by providing funding assistance to civil legal aid programs that exist in every congressional district. Your efforts last year helped increase LSC funding by $71 million to its current funding level-- $560 million. For decades the American Bar Association advocated Legal Services Corporation funding as the embodiment of the federal government’s role in securing the core American value of equal justice under law. The LSC has always had bipartisan support in Congress, and polling indicates 82% of Americans support equal access to justice that protects the vulnerable. Justice should not be reserved for those that can afford it. LSC is commemorating this milestone anniversary by renewing our commitment to promote equal access to justice in our Nation and to provide high quality civil legal assistance to low-income persons.” Registration: https://lnkd.in/efJrWTsk #118thCongress #CivilLegalAid #LegalServiceCorporation #50thAnniversary #CapitolHill #Washington #DC #EqualJusticeUnderLaw

The Chair of the Bar of Northern Ireland has welcomed comments regarding timely payment of the legal profession made by the Lady Chief Justice in her Opening of Term Address on Tuesday (05 Sept). “In her address, the Lady Chief Justice spoke of the budgetary pressures faced across the justice system and the significant risk to the delivery of the administration of justice including the timely payment of the legal profession. “The budget for Legal Aid in Northern Ireland has fallen significantly behind the level of public need and demand for legal advice and representation. We are now reaching a cliff edge in terms of Legal Aid payment times and rates to barristers and the Bar is considering an extended range of options in response. “Publicly funded legal services exist to help the most vulnerable citizens in our society who face the most challenging of circumstances. They deserve to be spared the added concern and potential delay that would inevitably arise if the service they depend upon is no longer viable due to under-funding. “In choosing to apply payment delays as a budget management measure, the Department of Justice is placing barristers in a wholly unsatisfactory and unprecedented position whereby they, rather than the public purse public funding, are effectively funding financing the delivery of a vital demand-led public service which is at the core of access to justice." Read Moira Smyth KC's statement in full: https://rb.gy/1bsa9 #accesstojustice #publiclyfundedlegalservices #legalaid #barristers

📢 Exciting Announcement! 📢 Are you in need of legal assistance but facing financial constraints? We’ve got great news for you! 🤝 **Legal Aid Pro Bono week** 🤝 Join us for a special Legal Aid Pro Bono event aimed at providing free legal assistance to those who need it most. Our team of experienced lawyers and legal experts will be volunteering their time and expertise to help individuals and families in our community who may be struggling to access legal services due to financial barriers. 📅 **Date:** 20th March to 22nd March 📍 **Location:** university of Lusaka leopards hill campus At this event, you can receive guidance and support on a wide range of legal matters, including: - Landlord-tenant disputes - Family law issues (such as custody, divorce, and child support) - Immigration concerns - Employment rights and discrimination - Consumer rights and debt relief - And much more! Whether you’re facing a legal challenge or simply need advice on your rights and options, our dedicated team is here to assist you. No appointments necessary – simply drop by during the event hours and speak with one of our friendly volunteers. All consultations are strictly confidential, and there are no hidden costs or obligations. Spread the word and let your friends, family, and neighbors know about this invaluable opportunity to access free legal assistance. Together, we can make a difference in our community by ensuring that everyone has equal access to justice. Don’t miss out on this chance to get the legal help you need – we’re here to support you every step of the way! #LegalAid #ProBono #AccessToJustice #CommunitySupport

This time next week National Legal Aid will launch a new report: Justice on the Brink – Stronger Legal Aid for a Better Legal System. All interested stakeholders in the legal assistance sector are invited to join the formal launch at 2:30pm ACDT on Wednesday 22 November. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gfEad-iU National Legal Aid commissioned Impact Economics to provide updated modelling of the 2014 Productivity Commission Access to Justice Report recommendations as they pertain to Legal Aid. This new report, Justice on the Brink, estimates that an increase of $484 million in Legal Aid funding per year is required to address the gaps identified in the Productivity Commission Report.

Law Society is urging the next government to restore legal aid for early advice after latest government figures showed 27,445 more children were trapped in limbo in the family justice system at the start of this year: https://ow.ly/quzR50SstX4 Via ##LawGazette #legalnews #uklaw

🌐 Exploring the Crucial Realm of Legal Aid 🤝 Legal aid is the beacon that illuminates equal access to justice for everyone, regardless of their means. It's about providing crucial legal support to those who might otherwise face barriers in navigating the legal system. In simple terms, legal aid ensures that everyone, irrespective of their background, has a fair shot at justice. Why does it matter? Because it levels the playing field. It empowers individuals who might be economically disadvantaged to assert their rights, seek legal advice, and participate effectively in legal proceedings. Legal aid isn't just a service; it's a catalyst for a more equitable and just society. In my latest YouTube video, I delve into the nuts and bolts of legal aid and why it's a cornerstone for fostering equal access to justice. 📽️ [https://lnkd.in/drAZm5ki] Join me on this journey to understand how legal aid contributes to a more equitable and just legal landscape. Let's foster awareness and share insights for a brighter, more accessible legal future! 💼🌐 #LegalAid #AccessToJustice #LegalRights #YouTubeExploration

Review of Civil Legal Aid We have submitted our response to the Ministry of Justice’s call for evidence for the Review of Civil Legal Aid (RoCLA). We have expressed our concern that the financial disincentives of the current system have led to a severe lack of legal aid providers, which in turn means that people who need legal advice are unable to find representation. The problems are particularly stark in relation to community care work, where people struggle to access specialist advice, particularly at an early stage when it could be most effective. We hope that the Ministry of Justice will make changes to ensure the future viability and sustainability of civil legal aid, and ensure access to justice for those who need it.  

Today, we commemorate National Legal Services Day, a day dedicated to upholding the fundamental right of every individual to access justice. Observed annually on November 9th in India, this day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure that no one is denied legal representation due to financial constraints or social marginalization. The genesis of National Legal Services Day can be traced back to the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, a landmark legislation that established a nationwide network of legal aid institutions. This Act aimed to provide free legal services to the marginalized and underprivileged, empowering them to navigate the complexities of the legal system and defend their rights. Throughout the years, National Legal Services Day has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the importance of legal aid and promoting access to justice for all. Legal Services Authorities across the country have organized various outreach programs, legal awareness camps, and workshops to educate the public about their legal rights and entitlements. As we celebrate National Legal Services Day today, let us renew our commitment to ensuring that justice prevails for all. Let us work together to bridge the gap between the legal system and those who need it most, empowering them to seek redress and protect their fundamental rights. Together, we can create a society where justice is not merely a privilege, but a fundamental right accessible to every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances.