28 Mar, 2024
1 min read

Supporting civil legal aid is a good investment

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When Gov. Wes Moore announced his 2024 housing package, the connection to the legal community at large might not have been readily apparent. Yet, within one of the pieces of legislation currently pending before the Maryland General Assembly is a provision that has the capacity to provide sustainable support to the Maryland Legal Services Corporation and the grantees it supports.

The Renters Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024 can help not only address the disparities within our landlord/tenant law framework, but also support and sustain the MLSC and in turn the civil legal aid organizations upon whom so much relies, by raising the filing surcharges in landlord/tenant matters to just below the national average and distributing those funds equally between a statewide Rental Assistance Voucher Program and the legislatively created MLSC Fund.

MLSC’s mission is to ensure low-income Marylanders have access to stable, efficient and effective civil legal assistance through the distribution of funds to nonprofit legal services organizations. It currently funds 46 organizations to work toward that mission across the entire state. The Maryland General Assembly created MLSC in 1982 to administer the state’s Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program, and since that time MLSC grantees have assisted approximately 4 million Marylanders with a wide variety of civil legal needs.

In 1998, the General Assembly enacted surcharges in civil cases as a source of funding for MLSC, and those surcharges now amount to one of MLSC’s largest funding streams.

The funds from these increased surcharges will support legal services for over 82,000 Marylanders, directly benefiting over 160,000 individuals. MLSC grantees helped clients obtain more than $16.2 million in economic awards and avoid over $18.8 million in costs through their cases, for issues such as child support, consumer judgments and discharged debts.

Civil cases constitute

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2 mins read

Backlash over Hochul’s attempt to divert $120m from legal aid fund

Gov. Kathy Hochul is under scrutiny for her budget proposal to divert funds from the Indigent Legal Services, sparking widespread concern among legal advocates and professionals.
Photo: Hans Pennink/AP

The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) has voiced strong opposition to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recent executive budget proposal, which aims to redirect $120 million from the Indigent Legal Services Fund to the state’s general fund.

This move, coupled with the denial of a $46.3 million budget increase requested by Indigent Legal Services, has sparked concern among legal professionals and advocacy groups regarding the potential impact on legal aid for the state’s most vulnerable populations.

Richard Lewis, NYSBA president, criticized the proposal for jeopardizing essential legal services for indigent New Yorkers, particularly in areas such as Family Court and public defense. The proposal requires an annual appropriation for the distribution of these earmarked funds, a process that has repeatedly seen the executive branch withhold necessary funding, according to Lewis.

“Gov. Hochul is proposing to sweep $120 million earmarked for Indigent Legal Services into the state’s general fund,” Lewis said. “She has also rejected a request from Indigent Legal Services for a $46.3 million increase over last year’s budget — all of which would have come from the Indigent Legal Services Fund and none of which was needed to be appropriated from the general budget.

“Even though these funds are earmarked, there must be an annual appropriation in the state budget for Indigent Legal Services to distribute the funds,” Lewis continued. “Despite annual requests to use these funds according to their designated purposes, the executive branch has declined to appropriate much-needed funding, creating the paradox of monies remaining in the fund but not being able to be distributed under the State Finance Law.”

The controversy follows a similar situation earlier this year

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2 mins read

Illegal migrants convicted of ‘violent’ felonies would get legal aid under California bill

The California State Assembly is considering legislation allowing undocumented migrants convicted of “violent” or “serious” felonies to receive immigration-related legal services.

The “Representation, Equity, and Protections (REP) for All Immigrants Act” would eliminate restrictions on existing laws prohibiting grant funds’ use for assisting those convicted of such felonies. The grants are provided to non-profits which assist migrants with certain immigration-related legal services.

“For as long as I have been in state office, I have worked towards ensuring people are given a second chance and have championed efforts to prevent people from being treated as second-class individuals,” Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer, D-South Los Angeles, the legislation’s sponsor, said last month. “The REP for All Immigrants Act ensures racial justice and truly equitable access to crucial immigration services for all – not some.”

Migrants having an interpersonal connection in California or looking to live there are able to receive legal services to defend against their removal from the US under the bill. Any information identifying the migrant throughout the legal process would be exempt from disclosure on public records.

The legislation currently sits in the Assembly’s Committee on the Judiciary. It has received criticism from some Republicans, including Assemblymember Kate Sanchez, R-Temecula, who blasted the bill as “completely unacceptable” Sunday.

READ MORE | Biden receives backlash from Democrats over use of ‘illegal’ term during SOTU

Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer is not the only California lawmaker to speak out in support of recent migrants. Last month, Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., cautioned against reshaping current immigration policies based solely on a migrant’s suspected murder of a 22-year-old Georgia nursing student. Laken Riley died from blunt force trauma while jogging at the University of Georgia last month, and police arrested Jose Antonia Ibarra, who entered the US illegally, in connection with her death.

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2 mins read

Family court cases: LHC orders govt to operationalize legal aid agency for the needy – Pakistan

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has directed the provincial government to operationalize within three months the Punjab Legal Aid Agency, which is supposed to provide legal services to indigent persons, especially the women, in family matters.

A full bench passed the order, deciding a set of petitions against section 14 of the Family Courts Act, 1964, which does not allow an appeal against a decree for maintenance to a child of an amount of Rs 5000 or less per month.

During the hearing of the petitions, the bench learned that the province of the Punjab, through Act No.XIX of 2018, enacted the Punjab Legal Aid Act, 2018, which provides for the Punjab Legal Aid Agency to be established by the government to provide legal services to an indigent person, inter alia, in family disputes relating to divorce, maintenance, dowry, dower or custody of children.

However, the said agency has not been operationalized until date.

Justice Raheel Kamran Sheikh, who authored the verdict, observed that the adjudication of claims entails physical and psychological harm, incurring of financial resources and a degree of perseverance to succeed for the enforcement of one’s rights.

The judge noted that it is quite an order for a resource-less wife and/or child to invoke the jurisdiction of the family court to claim maintenance when a husband/father fails to perform his obligations in that regard, particularly in the absence of a well -established legal aid system.

To ensure effective enforcement of the right of access to justice and fair trial, as guaranteed under Article 9 and 10A of the Constitution to women and children, the bench directed the government to operationalize the Punjab Legal Aid Agency within a period of three months to provide legal aid services to indigent persons in the family matters.

About the questions posed

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2 mins read

Announcement: Reyna Law Firm Unveils Aid for Dallas Distracted Driver Accidents

Reyna Law Firm, operating from its Dallas base at 682-251-1981, introduces specialized legal services to assist individuals who have suffered severe injuries due to distracted truck drivers.

Distracted truck drivers present a risk to all nearby, as operating heavy vehicles demands full attention. Those significantly injured by an inattentive driver may be eligible for compensation. To learn more, contact Reyna Law Firm.

Expert attorneys will provide essential legal support throughout the recovery process. In the aftermath of accidents caused by distracted truck drivers, the firm can guide through the personal injury claim process and advocate on behalf of the injured party.

Led by JR Reyna, a member of the American Academy of Attorneys 500 Million Dollar Club, the firm aims to secure compensation that fully addresses the extent of damages, including medical expenses, future therapy costs, vehicle repairs, and emotional distress.

Understanding legal rights following an accident involving a distracted driver is crucial before pursuing a claim, advises Reyna Law Firm. Without this understanding, the potential for significant compensation may go unrealized, especially when focusing on recovery.

Reyna Law Firm emphasizes the importance of hiring the right attorney to protect rights throughout the case, ensuring full disclosure regarding eligibility for compensation from negligent drivers.

Consultations, either in-person or virtual, provide insight into state liability laws and how establishing fault can hold distracted drivers accountable for damages, whether directly or through their insurance.

Concerned about potential delay tactics from insurance companies? Help is always available, says the firm. They are equipped to handle negotiations with insurers, freeing focus on recovery.

The firm’s representatives are well versed in insurance company strategies to minimize payouts and will work diligently to gather evidence and negotiate fair compensation for injuries.

Reyna Law Firm offers services in both

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2 mins read

El Paso Oilfield & Auto Accident Attorney, Legal Representation Service Enhanced

Reyna Law Firm (915-975-7077) has introduced timely enhancements to its personal injury legal services for victims of oilfield disasters and vehicle accidents in El Paso, Texas.

Following a devastating injury, individuals often find themselves replaying the incident in their minds, contemplating what actions could have altered the outcome. While the past remains unchangeable, there lies the potential for a substantial compensation settlement in the future. With the support of the Reyna Law Firm, one can assertively confront those accountable for the ensuing pain and suffering.

Reyna Law Firm’s ability to help victims of injuries extends to El Paso and its surroundings. As a pivotal player in the oil extraction industry in the area, the multitude of oilfields in West Texas attracts laborers from across the state. Regrettably, the frequency of accidents at these sites is notably high, with safety concerns often resulting in severe injuries. Legal services become a crucial resource in such instances.

For those who have suffered injuries at these locations during the course of their work or otherwise, reaching out to Reyna Law Firm is appropriate. With the prevalence of explosions, blowouts, and gas leaks at refineries and pipelines, everyone in proximity is at risk. Therefore, the firm extends its services to both field workers and bystanders.

The firm’s expertise in personal injury cases also encompasses harm resulting from traffic accidents. Thus, Reyna Law Firm can help individuals injured on their way to oil sites or the neighboring areas. Significantly, the firm emphasizes a patient approach in the pursuit of justice, extending this advice to interactions with insurance providers.

In addressing individuals in this situation, Reyna Law Firm advises, “Insurance companies aim to abbreviate your settlement. Their primary goal is to maximize profits for their shareholders, often achieved

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2 mins read

Legal Aid DC Reopens Anacostia Office



Legal Aid of the District of Columbia recently announced that it will reopen its offices in Ward 8 in Southeast that were suspended in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Legal Aid office was in the Anacostia Professional Building, also known as the Big Chair, until DC Mayor Muriel Bowser instituted the public health emergency that shuttered many businesses and nonprofits in the District in March 2020. With the emergency lifted a few months ago, the organization’s leadership decided to rebuild its community contacts and reinstalling the Anacostia office became a priority.

“We’re thrilled to reopen our Big Chair location and increase access to free, in-person legal services for District residents who live or work east of the river,” said Vikram Swaruup, executive director of the organization. “Ultimately, we want to make sure we’re helping residents when they face significant legal challenges and don’t know where to turn—from foreclosure or debt collection to staying safe from domestic violence to accessing government benefits like health care or nutritional assistance. Reopening our Anacostia office allows us to meet people where they are and ensures that residents can talk to a lawyer face-to-face.”

The decision by Legal Aid to reopen its office comes as residents face legal actions, such as eviction, foreclosure, and debt collection, which were postponed by District and federal officials during the early and middle period of the public health emergency. Legal Aid officials say demand for legal services has increased by 20% since last year. The officials said evictions, where calls have increased by more than 50%, as well as foreclosure cases and food stamp matters, have received a great deal of attention.

The Big Chair Office

Swaruup is a former chief deputy attorney general in the Office of the Attorney General of the District of Columbia.

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California to offer free legal aid to undocumented farm workers

SACRAMENTO – California farm workers in state labor investigations will soon be able to access free legal services to safely report bad-acting employers, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday.

In efforts to prevent labor exploitation, a new $4.5 million pilot program will ensure farmworkers can fend for their rights despite their immigration status with free case review services, legal advice and attorney representation.

An estimated 50 percent of California’s farm workers are undocumented, which leaves the workforce vulnerable to bad acting employers and disproportionately unlikely to report labor claims, said Newsom’s office.

Newsom said that the program will provide more tools for farmworkers, so they no longer have to worry about the fear of deportation or the difficulty of finding work without work authorization during cases of exploitation.

“Farmworkers are the backbone of our economy and we won’t stand by as bad actors use the threat of deportation as a form of exploitation,” said Newsom in a statement. “In the absence of Congress modernizing our broken, outdated immigration system, California continues our efforts to support immigrant families.”

Since 2015, California has funded free legal immigration services through nonprofit partnerships. The California Labor & Workforce Development and the California Department of Social Services, which will oversee the pilot, will utilize existing resources to launch the program later this year.

To be eligible, farmworkers must be involved in cases under review by the Department of Industrial Relations’ Labor Commissioner’s Office, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health or the Agricultural Labor Relations Board. Services will be available based on capacity and population estimates.

“The time is now for us to ensure that immigrant labor rights are upheld and respected. We recommend the state to support this pilot, which will help ensure that legal services are available and accessible through partnerships with trusted community-based

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Chief Justice Visits Central Jail Srinagar, Assesses Quality Of Legal Aid Services For Prisoners – Jammu Kashmir Latest News | Tourism

Chief Justice Visits Central Jail Srinagar, Assesses Quality Of Legal Aid Services For Prisoners

SRINAGAR, Jul 13: Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Patron-in-chief, J&K Legal Services Authority, Justice N. Kotiswar Singh today visited the Central Jail here to assess the conditions of the prisoners and the quality of legal aid services being provided to them.
The Chief Justice was accompanied by his Principal Secretary, MK Sharma and Member Secretary of J & K Legal Services Authority, Amit Gupta.
On arrival to Central Jail, the Chief Justice was received by the Director General of Prisons, J & K, Deepak Kumar and DLSA Srinagar Chairman Jawad Ahmed. Superintendent of Central Jail Srinagar, Daljit Singh; SP North Zone Srinagar, Raja Zuhaib and other officers of Central Jail Srinagar were also present on the occasion.
The Chief Justice, upon his arrival, was also accorded ceremonial guard of honor by the contingent of CRPF deployed at the Central Jail.
During the visit, the Chief Justice had a round of all the barracks and interacted extensively with the inmates and patiently listened to their grievances and concerns. The Chief Justice assured the inmates that their genuine grievances shall be redressed and also issued on spot instructions to the concerned to ensure that the grievances projected by the inmates are addressed at the earliest.
During the visit, the Chief Justice engaged in constructive discussions with prison officials, legal aid volunteers, and inmates of Central Jail Srinagar. During interaction all the jail inmates admitted that they are being represented in the respective courts either by the counsel engaged by them or by counsel provided by the respective District Legal Services Authorities, where ever their cases are pending.
To gauge the effectiveness of the VC facility available in the Central Jail, the Chief Justice directed the jail authorities to connect with the District Court of Srinagar and

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The state budget gives one-time boost to programs that give poor Mainers legal aid in civil cases

The newly signed state budget includes a one-time $4 million boost for a program that provides low-income Mainers with legal representation in civil cases – a big addition to the baseline $650,000 the program currently receives each year.

But the funding in the budget is significantly less than what the Legislature approved. Lawmakers passed a bill, sponsored by Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, that called for an $11 million investment over two years and an ongoing appropriation of $7.8 million a year – and was projected to help an estimated 10,000 additional Mainers.

Carney, an attorney who used to volunteer with a nonprofit that provides legal services, said she was pleased that her bill received funding, even though increasing the baseline funding would offer more stability to people needing legal help.

The need in Maine is great.

The National Center for Access to Justice recommends a ratio of at least 10 legal aid attorneys per 10,000 people living below 200% of the federal poverty line, but Maine averages less than two.

Steady funding would make a big difference, Carney said.

“I think the goal is to continue to add to the baseline, so we can get closer to that national justice index standard and make sure that we have high-quality representation for Mainers in civil legal matters,” she said.

While much attention has been paid to the state’s failure to provide constitutionally mandated legal services to low-income residents accused of crimes, advocates say a larger number of low-income residents need help when dealing with civil matters.

Unlike in criminal cases, there is no law in Maine that guarantees access to an attorney for civil matters. But advocates say that doesn’t make civil legal aid less important.

The additional funding is expected to allow non-profit legal clinics to help more low-income

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