WASHINGTON, March 18, 2022 -- Today, the American Bar Association honors the dedicated professionals who provide legal assistance to those who cannot afford it as the nation commemorates National Public Defender Day.
When public defenders lack the necessary staff and resources to assure that quality legal representation is available to all eligible people, the promise of equal protection under the law cannot be met.
The ABA has long advocated for meaningful access to the justice system for all and supports effective plans to increase funding for legal aid and indigent defense systems.
The ABA is the largest voluntary association of lawyers in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.