Sam Halpert, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives
Photo: Harris and Ewing Collection, Library of Congress
Hello, interested public! The major story this week concerns a failed US Congressional vote on a bill that would have dramatically impacted nonprofits’ operations. In other news, New York City legal groups say that the city government has delayed contractual payments to a degree that threatens their operations, and the Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court addressed her state’s lawyer shortage in recent remarks. As always, these stories and more are in the links below.
If you’re interested in the issues we cover in this Digest, consider attending NALP’s Public Service Conference, which will be held virtually via Zoom on December 10th & 11th. Hope to see you there!
Sam Halpert, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives
Photo: Harris and Ewing Collection, Library of Congress
Hello, interested public! Lots of news this week; I’ve done my best to pull a few threads for you related to our shared corner of the world. I hope you and yours are doing alright in yours.
Sam Halpert, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives
Photo: Harris and Ewing Collection, Library of Congress
Hello, interested public! A number of interesting stories this week, including some novel research from the Journal of the American Medical Association about the health effects of the tenant right-to-counsel movement. You’ll find that story and others in the links below.
Take care,
Sam
Editor’s Choice
Tenant Right-to-Counsel and Adverse Birth Outcomes in New York, New York (Journal Amer. Medical Assn.; 28 Oct 2024)
“Question Was eviction prevention via free legal representation in housing court (right-to-counsel) in New York, New York, associated with birth outcomes in Medicaid-insured birthing parents?
Findings In this cohort study including 260 493 live births, right-to-counsel was associated with a statistically significant 0.96–percentage point absolute reduction in adverse birth outcomes among Medicaid-insured birthing parents.
Meaning These findings suggest that right-to-counsel programs may lead to improvements in key population health indicators.”
Sam Halpert, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives
Photo: Harris and Ewing Collection, Library of Congress
Hello, interested public! A big week for news, with stories below. Additionally, I wanted to share some NALP news: registration is now open for the 2024 Public Service Conference. This virtual event will take place on Dec 10 & 11th and be an opportunity for members of our community to come together and discuss issues we are facing together, including topics that I digest for you weekly in this newsletter. If you have the time, we’d love to see you there!
Sam Halpert, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives
Photo: Harris and Ewing Collection, Library of Congress
Hello, interested public! A big week for news, with stories below. Additionally, I wanted to share some NALP news: registration is now open for the 2024 Public Service Conference. This virtual event will take place on Dec 10 & 11th and be an opportunity for members of our community to come together and discuss issues we are facing together, including topics that I digest for you weekly in this newsletter. If you have the time, we’d love to see you there!
Sam Halpert, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives
Photo: Harris and Ewing Collection, Library of Congress
Hello, interested public! Lots of news related to challenges for regional public defender services this week–as well as a story regarding the prosecutor shortage in Alaska. As always, these stories and more are in the links below.
Sam Halpert, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives
Photo: Harris and Ewing Collection, Library of Congress
Hello, interested public! Lots of major news this week, including (another) reversal of fortune for the Biden Administration’s student loan forgiveness plans in litigation, a decision from the ABA to change its clerkship criteria, and ongoing legal volunteer efforts in North Carolina and florida. As always, these stories and more are in the links below.
Sam Halpert, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives
Photo: Harris and Ewing Collection, Library of Congress
Hello, interested public! Lots of major news this week: a federal judge ended the temporary block on the Biden Administration’s student loan forgiveness plan, while California became the newest state to require that attorneys report pro bono hours to the State Bar. The federal government is allowing employees to donate their PTO to colleagues affected by Hurricane Helene, while the North Carolina Supreme Court is allowing out-of-state lawyers to assist hurricane victims. As always, these stories and more are in the links below.
Sam Halpert, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives
Photo: Harris and Ewing Collection, Library of Congress
Hello, interested public! Major stories this week include continued attention on the public defender systems in Washington State, Oregon, and South Dakota and a major expansion of public interest articling positions in Ontario. Meanwhile, the Biden Administration’s student debt relief plan continues to work its way through a federal appeal, while the CFPB estimated the cost to borrowers of increased student loan interest rates. As always, these stories and more are in the links below.
Sam Halpert, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives
Photo: Harris and Ewing Collection, Library of Congress
Hello, interested public! Ongoing high-level drama regarding the Biden Administration’s attempts at student loan debt relief continues to generate headlines. Other news stories include a developing crisis for immigrant services in Delaware and the launch of a statewide public defender system in South Dakota. As always, these stories and more are in the links below.
Get a weekly summary of news items that affect the public service legal community, with an emphasis on funding, job market, law school initiatives, and access-to-justice developments.
