An AmeriCorps-type Program for Law Grads to Provide Legal Services?
By: Steve Grumm
The Albany Times-Union reports on one jurist thinking outside the box about addressing the justice gap:
That was the recommendation of one of New York’s top judges Monday in his testimony to the Task Force to Expand Access to Civil Legal Services, which was formed to address the issue. Michael Coccoma, the deputy administrative chief judge for counties outside New York City, suggested the panel consider the graduates as he urged “new ideas” during a hearing at the Court of Appeals.
“For example, when I hear that an increasing number of recent law school students are unable to find jobs, I ask myself, why can’t we develop funding streams and programs which would provide an opportunity for these attorneys, who are eager to put their skills to work in a public-service program, providing legal services for the poor?” Coccoma asked.
Coccoma suggested that in exchange for a two- or three-year commitment in that type of program, the new lawyers could receive a reduction in their student loan. He compared it to AmeriCorps programs which enables college graduates entering health care fields to get assistance with their tuition.
Hmmm. I have profoundly mixed feelings on this issue. On the one hand, it’s undeniable that there are signficant numbers of un- or underemployed law grads. And there is certainly a need for more advocates for low-income people with legal problems. But, civil legal services lawyers are already the lowest paid public interest lawyers. The problem of low salaries has plagued legal services organizations for years. I can appreciate how a program structured like AmeriCorps or Teach for America would be term-limited. Thus you’re not dealing with the same problem of underpaying permanent employees. Still, it gives me pause.
