About the Resource Center

The Resource Center for Access to Justice Initiatives was created to serve bar, bench and legal services leaders engaged in establishing and expanding state Access to Justice efforts. This Resource Center's web pages bring together in one place key resources and updates on Access to Justice structures and initiatives from around the country. The Resource Center's consultants provide technical assistance and support on the creation and development of Access to Justice structures and on increasing state-level funding for civil legal aid.

Access to Justice Headlines

Communications and Public Awareness

President Obama, bipartisan group of national leaders support LSC at White House forum on civil legal aid. (4/17/12)

California Access to Justice Commission, State Bar, and the Chamber of Commerce provide legislature with summary of findings from public hearings on civil justice crisis in courts and legal aid.

Pro Bono

West Virginia Justice Brent Benjamin calls for increased pro bono, support for LSC funding (5/8/15)

New York Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman announces pro bono requirement for state bar admission. (5/1/12)

District of Columbia courts launch Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll. (5/1/12)

Web site and video highlight Florida pro bono campaign: “one client, one attorney, one promise.” (5/1/12)

Indiana legislature approves filing fee surcharge benefitting pro bono. (3/25/12)

Louisiana Chief Justice Katherine D. Kimball urges judges to encourage pro bono service. (4/2/12)

Court Access

Colorado court adopt strategic plan for implementing enhanced language access. (3/15/12)

Texas Supreme Court Advisory Committee reviews draft standardized forms developed by Court’s Uniform Forms Task Force for use in uncomplicated, uncontested divorces. (4/20/12)

Report assesses evolving role of law libraries in serving self-represented litigants. (4/1/12)

Massachusetts Trial Court's Access to Justice Initiative report reviews 2011 efforts. (2/1/12)

U.S. District Court for Southern District of New York develops manual for self-represented litigants. (4/2/12)

Alaska courts program uses unbundled pro bono assistance to speed the resolution of family law cases. (4/4/12)

Legal Aid Funding

Conferences of Chief Justices/State Court Administrators adopt resolution supporting adequate funding for LSC.  (4/1/12)
CCJ/COSCA white paper supporting increased LSC funding

Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court promulgates new pro hac vice registration fee for out-of-state attorneys benefitting legal aid. (4/12/12)

PennsylvaniaJudiciary’s 2013 budget submission and State of the Courts report highlight current legal aid funding crisis along with court needs. (5/1/12)

Civil Legal Aid Planning

New Apps for smartphones: “Legal Aid News,” “Legal Aid Finder” created by Pine Tree Legal Assistance. Provide individual state and national news feeds, legal aid contact information. Available in the Apple App store and the Android Marketplace. (1/15/12)

Access to Justice Commission Development and Leadership

Tennessee Access to Justice Commission launches Faith-Based Initiatives Advisory Committee, sponsors Access to Justice luncheon for religious leaders.(4/14/12)

Civil Right to Counsel

Law students, volunteer attorneys, and legal aid staff reach out to rural areas on 2012 “Road to Justice.” (3/20/12)

Washington State Bar Association launches statewide reduced-fee lawyer referral service for people of moderate means. (4/1/12)

Limited Scope Representation

Tennessee legislature approves limited scope representation rules. (4/2/12)

Supreme Court of Alabama adopts new rule on limited scope representation. (3/26/12)

Free on-line CLE focuses on “Expanding Your Practice Using Limited Scope Representation.” (3/25/12)

Updated: 05/23/2012