Resource Center for Access to Justice Initiatives

The Resource Center for Access to Justice (ATJ) Initiatives serves judicial, private bar, and legal aid leaders who work together to provide people of low and modest income with meaningful access to their justice systems. The Center's two main focuses are: (1) Supporting the growth and development of state-based Access to Justice Commissions; and (2) Collecting and analyzing data on the various sources of funding for civil legal aid

2023 National Meeting of State Access to Justice Commission Chairs

Columbus, Ohio | November 1-2, 2023

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! The 2023 National Meeting of State Access to Justice Commission Chairs ("ATJ Chairs Meeting") will be held in Columbus, Ohio on November 1-2, 2023. We are excited to announce that the ATJ Chairs Meeting will be one of the featured conferences taking place during the new ABA Forum on Building Access to Justice for All. To learn more and register for the 2023 ATJ Chairs Meeting, click on the link below.

National Meeting of State Access to Justice Commission Chairs

2022 Virtual ATJ Chairs Meeting

The 2022 National Meeting of State Access to Justice Commission Chairs (“ATJ Chairs Meeting”) held a CLE Webinar Series on December 12-14, 2022. Please click on the link below to learn more about the meeting and how to purchase the webinar recordings for CLE credit.

Purchase - CLE Webinar Recordings

COVID-19 Resources

The ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense (SCLAID) has launched a web page that consolidates resources from across the country to assist the access to justice community in addressing the many challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Explore - COVID-19 Resources

Legal Aid Funding Report

Financial resource limitations remain one of the largest barriers preventing civil legal aid providers, even with their pro bono allies, from addressing the needs of low-income client communities. The ABArray Legal Aid Funding Report provides users with online access to SCLAID's national legal aid funding data collection from 2003 to present.

Learn More - Legal Aid Funding Data

Access to Justice Commissions: Increasing Effectiveness Through Adequate Staffing and Funding

Download our 2018 report examining access to justice commissions nationwide, offering an in-depth analysis of their structures, activities, staffing, and funding, as well as best-practice recommendations. DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT HERE.

Download - Executive Summary

Access to Justice Commissions

Access to Justice Commissions are collaborative entities that bring together courts, the bar, civil legal aid providers, and other stakeholders in an effort to remove barriers to civil justice for low-income and disadvantaged people.

Learn More - ATJ Commissions