ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice’s Post

Now that I am back up and running on this platform (Why would anyone hack your LinkedIn?!) a word on something we get asked a lot about from our colleagues in the legal community in Aberdeen. Legal Aid. Aberdeen is a legal aid desert for civil matters, as you will all know. We get multiple inquiries every day since clearly word is out that we do some legal aid. We couldn't even begin to take on all of the inquiries we get. As you will know, for complex matters, it is impossible to make legal aid pay reasonably compared with private client work. To make any sort of decent living from it, you would require to bust a gut. Or omit proper client care and communications in the case. Until the level of fees is properly addressed by the government, people will continue to go without representation, with all of the problems this causes for the courts dealing with unrepresented parties and the wider problem it has when people with a genuine need for representation go without it. I am thinking in particular where there is domestic abuse. There is no point in having remedies through the courts, and there is no point in having an Act to "deal with" domestic abuse if there is no access to justice on the civil side. Anyway, we do a bit, the bit that we can. We are most often at capacity in terms of legal aid we can reasonably take on. We have to be selective about what we do take on, when we have time. We don't (with apologies) want disputes over assets when your clients have ran out of money, having paid you. We simply can't justify doing things like relocations, or broadly anything of any significant complexity, because we couldn't find the time to do them justice. Since we do have bleeding hearts (yes, me too, honest!) if you have a case which is really deserving drop us an email to see how we are fixed. More often than not the answer will be no, I'm afraid, in which case (with apologies to Jenny Court!) it is CLAO or alternatively the Glasgow firms that we know are appearing regularly in Aberdeen now. Hopefully the penny will drop eventually, although I doubt it will be any time soon given where our criminal colleagues currently are.

"Establishing trust lay at the heart of significant change in the types of matters Moonee Valley Legal Service helped with... Legal concierges helped to first forge a bridge, then support those in need to access assistance." Victoria Law Foundation’s recent Public Understanding of Law Survey found widespread legal need, including many who don't see law as relevant to them and consequently, don’t try to obtain legal help. Assistance strategies that help to connect people in need with services that can help them can make a big difference. Moonee Valley Legal Service’s Legal Concierge Program is one such strategy. https://zurl.co/4WFI

"The United States is home to the largest number of attorneys in the world, and it has by far the highest number of lawyers per capita, yet they are mostly concentrated in a few urban areas, leaving entire swaths of the country as legal deserts...While it could be hard for a low-income person to find free civil legal assistance even in big cities, it is "almost impossible" to find it in rural areas." Read more about #accesstojustice and #legaldeserts 👇 https://lnkd.in/gJXAAuPH

It’s shocking that within a week Albertans may no longer have access to to Legal Aid, including duty counsel in courts. Legal Aid is fundamental in bridging the gap for access to justice in our province, and without access to their services - emphasis on even duty counsel - our legal system might face some serious issues. While access to justice doesn’t necessarily have to be provided in the form of Legal Aid, with no other system in place, this creates a notable gap for self-representatives who may struggle to navigate their rights without legal representation. It leaves our vulnerable population with virtually no form of legal assistance. This issue presents an opportunity for our legal system to evolve and better meet the needs of our population, but I am hopeful that it may also draw attention to the role Legal Aid plays in regard to the administration of and access to justice.

🌐 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

The Law Society asks family lawyers to help paint fuller picture of legal aid sustainability crisis: Law Society Gazette https://lnkd.in/eRhi-vRT #FamilyLaw

Almost half a billion dollars in extra funding is needed each year to meet demand for legal assistance in Australia, a new report commissioned by National Legal Aid has found. The Justice on the Brink report found $484m in funding was needed to prevent the threat of “supply failure”, expand the availability of family and civil law services, provide greater access under the means test and increase fees for private lawyers. “On the supply side, we find that chronic underfunding and underpayment is eroding the supply of practitioners willing to undertake Legal Aid work, threatening the viability of services across the country,” the Impact Economics and Policy report found. “As one lawyer working in Indigenous family law put it to us: ‘Societies talk about how important this ‘access to justice’ is, and our justice net is completely overwhelmed.’ This erodes the number, quality and experience of private practitioners delivering legal assistance.” There was also an increasing cohort of people who were not eligible for legal aid, but were in need of support. “Between the very poor and the rich, a large cohort does not have functional access to the legal system they rely on and pay for through their taxes. https://lnkd.in/gcahNzRC

Texas just approved a groundbreaking program allowing licensed paralegals to provide legal services to low-income residents—bridging the access to justice gap! ⚖️  This progressive initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing the longstanding issue of limited access to legal resources for economically disadvantaged communities. By enabling qualified paralegals to offer legal assistance, the program aims to reduce the burden on overextended legal aid organizations and ensure that more individuals receive the help they need. This move not only democratizes legal support but also highlights the crucial role that paralegals play in the justice system. 🌟 Learn more about this innovative program and its potential impact on the legal landscape by visiting the article linked below. https://lnkd.in/gCwtuX9e #LegalInnovation #AccessToJustice #Paralegals #TexasLaw #LegalServices #JusticeForAll #LegalAid #CommunitySupport #LegalReform

📢 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

When child social services become involved with your family it can be a worrying time. As child law solicitors who offer Legal Aid funded advice to people who find themselves under investigation, we know the common questions that people ask and have published them, with answers, on our website (link in the comments). The website only provides brief answers to questions that are asked by families who are often in need of more in depth support and advice. If you and your family are being investigated by child social services and you need legal advice, then please do get in touch. The first call is always free of charge and we can advise you if you are likely to be eligible for Legal Aid. It’s important to take advice early so you can understand the process and try and achieve the best outcome. #chidlaw #solicitors #socialservices #london #stalbans #northernhomecounties