by Christina Jackson, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives & Fellowships

Happy Friday!  Here in Virginia, school has started in earnest (darn traffic!), and we’re busier than ever here at NALP.  We’re feverishly updating career fair information and have added a new feature – Public Interest Events.  We will also periodically include these events in the news digest.  There is one included today.  Enjoy!

Spotlight on Outstanding Public Servants: If you know someone we should honor, drop me a line.

Here are the week’s headlines:

• 2013-2014 White House Fellows announced;
• NY Governor announces inaugural class of Excelsior Service Fellows;
• NLADA announces Beacon of Justice Award winners;
• Skadden’s Impact Project celebrates it’s first birthday;
• “Lawyers in the Library” – I love it!;
• Public defenders office in Guam fights to stay open;
• Emory Public Interest Committee hosts symposium on sex trafficking;
• DOJ weighs in on indigent defense;
• Spotlight on Public Service Servants: BIA Pro Bono Project;
• Super Music Bonus!

The summaries:

August 27, 2013 – “[t]he President’s Commission on White House Fellowships announced the appointment of the 2013-2014 Class of White House Fellows. The Fellows come from diverse backgrounds, varied professions, and have all shown a strong commitment to public service and leadership. The 2013-2014 Class of Fellows and their biographies are included in the following pages.”  (White House)

August 30, 2013– NY Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced “80 recent graduates, representing eleven colleges and universities will make up the first class under the Excelsior Service Fellowship Program. The fellowship program established earlier this year is an initiative to bring highly talented graduates of colleges, universities, and graduate, law and professional schools into government service. Fellows will start in early September and will be placed in the Executive Chamber and at 41 state government agencies and authorities.”  (LongIsland.com)

August 30, 2013 – “The National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA) is delighted to announce the names of the 2013 Beacon of Justice Award winners. The seventeen law firms honored have all devoted considerable time and resources to delivering on the mandate of Gideon v Wainwright, which fifty years ago established the right to counsel for people accused of a crime and facing a loss of liberty.  Each winner has been chosen for their accomplishments in advancing Gideon’s principles through law reform or individual representation.”  (NLADA Press Release)

September 1, 2013 – Twelve months ago, the Washington office of Skadden Arps, local legal aid groups, and three corporate legal departments started the Impact Project.  “The project created three virtual practice groups, each staffed with attorneys from Skadden, the three companies -Northrop Grumman, LivingSocial and Cisco and the three legal aid groups – Children’s Law Center, Legal Aid Society of D.C. and Bread for the City – to work on housing, guardianship and domestic violence issues.” In it’s first year, the Impact Project attorneys have worked on 55 cases.  Congratulations and keep up the good work!  (Washington Post)

September 2, 2013 – Libraries are so much more than a repository for books.  They are often the center of a community providing information, fellowship, and sometimes a place to be dry and warm in a storm.  Now, it’s also a place you can get legal advice.  “The San Joaquin County Bar Association has helped more than 500 individuals receive free legal advice through monthly clinics that are open to the public.  August marked one year since the launch of ‘Lawyers in the Library’ legal clinics, and the service continues.”  Volunteer practicing attorneys conduct brief meetings and assess and advise individuals on legal matters.  There are no income or residency restrictions. Services are on a first-come, first-service basis. (Recordnet.com)

September 2, 2013– “The federal Public Defender’s Office on Guam is fighting to remain in operation as the effects of sequestration are crippling the office’s ability to provide effective representation of criminal defendants.  Sequestration has had a major impact on the Public Defender’s Office on Guam. ‘We are being inordinately hit. The sequestration should be approximately 4.7% budget cut across the board however this year we’re slated to receive a 23% decrease in funds,’ explained federal public defender John Gorman.  He says this fiscal year the office made do with less – 11% less.”  (KUAM News)

September 4, 2013 – The Emory Public Interest Committee (EPIC) invites you to attend its tenth annual conference, “Neighbors for Sale: Modern Slavery in Atlanta,” on Saturday, September 21, 2013.  Details and registration information can be found here.  Registration will be capped at 250 and the deadline to register is September 17th.

September 4, 2013 – In quite the historic move, the US Department of Justice has intervened in on a case about the quality of indigent defense in two cities north of Seattle.  According to Justice lawyers, this filing is nothing short of historic.  And “if a judge finds those cities should be on the hook, Justice lawyers urged that an independent monitor be appointed for public defender workloads, the first time ever in a federal case like this one.”  “We are absolutely committed to the principle that every indigent person who is accused of a crime is entitled to his or her constitutional right to effective assistance of counsel,” says Jocelyn Samuels, who leads the DOJ civil rights unit.  So, stay tuned for more developments in this case.  (NPR)

Spotlight on Outstanding Public Servants:  It’s tough out there, especially for those who don’t speak English and are trying to navigate a complex immigration system.  The government joined with thousands of volunteers to make the process better.  The BIA Pro Bono Appeals Project matches vulnerable immigrants with pro bono counsel to defend their cases before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).  One of the nation’s most successful pro bono initiatives, the BIA Project partners with attorneys and law school clinics to provide pro bono legal representation to indigent immigrants. Through a network of committed volunteers, trainers, and mentors, the BIA Project facilitates access to justice.  Since the Project’s inception in 2001, it has reviewed over 7,200 appeals cases.  You can help!  Here is more information, including how you or your clinic can volunteer.

Super Music Bonus!  We’ve highlighted a number of fellowships today, so in honor of that – here you go!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rZBYbBG9f0

by Christina Jackson, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives & Fellowships

Happy Friday!  So, most folks are back to school or about to be.  We here at PSJD have MANY resources to help you navigate public interest and the job search.  Check it out.

Spotlight on Outstanding Public Servants: If you know someone we should honor, drop me a line.

Here are the week’s headlines:

• Attorney General Holder urges Congress to restore indigent defense funding;
• Alabama changing fees for private attorneys for indigent defense;
• NLRB consolidates in-house legal department in DC;
• $9 million grant in CA for consumer outreach on ACA;
• New center opening at the University of Denver;
• New NC law allows students to hire attorneys for college disciplinary actions;
• Hawaii news outlet creates public interest law clinic;
• ABA announces 2013 Legal Rebels;
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness under fire;
• Spotlight on Public Service Servants: Liz Rogers, federal public defender chief retires after 30 years;
• Super Music Bonus!

The summaries:

August 23, 2013– AG Holder went on record supporting the criminal justice system and asking Congress to restore federal funding for federal defenders.  He is backed by a large portion of the judiciary.  But, could more be done?  Here is a good summary of the issue and ways DOJ policy could affect the situation.  (The Atlantic)

August 25, 2013 – In 2011 the State Legislature set up an office of indigent defense under the Finance Department to monitor expenses.  The law also encourages, but does not mandate, that counties use a contract system for private attorneys providing indigent defense. The contract system commits attorneys to multiple cases for a set amount of money.  The system state-wide is having the desired effect – lowering costs to the state for indigent defense.  37 counties now use the contract system and several other counties have set up public defender offices staffed with county employees.  (The Times Daily)

August 26, 2013 – “The National Labor Relations Board has created a new Division of Legal Counsel at its Washington D.C. headquarters.  The board said Thursday the new division consists of three branches created by the consolidation of several of the headquarters’ offices.”  The three offices are The Ethics, Employment and Administrative Law Branch, the Contempt, Compliance and Special Litigation Branch, and the FOIA Branch.  “The new division is headed by Associate General Counsel Margery Lieber.”  (Legal Newsline)

August 26, 2013 – “The California Endowment last week awarded a $9.2 million, three-year grant to a group of legal aid organizations to help expand the effort to educate lower-income Californians about choices under the Affordable Care Act, including coverage in the state’s new health benefit exchange and the expanded version of Medi-Cal, both due to start in January.  Health Consumer Alliance will receive the grant announced Thursday. It’s a consortium of 11 legal aid organizations, including the Western Center on Law and Poverty, the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, Bay Area Legal Aid and the Fresno-based Central California Legal Services.  The $9.2 million grant follows an additional $3.4 million awarded to HCA by Covered California, the state’s new exchange, in June.”  (CaliforniaHealthline)

August 26, 2013 – Opening in early September at the University of Denver, the Center for Separating and Divorcing Families will offer a range of services to families at sliding-scale costs, including mediation, education, therapeutic services, legal drafting and assistance with financial planning.  “Families, who will be referred by the court system and community agencies, will receive advice from teams of students from the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology, the Graduate School of Social Work, and the Sturm College of Law.”  (The Denver Post)

August 26, 2013 – “Public university students facing disciplinary charges may now hire an attorney to help them throughout the process, according to a new state law.”  “The new law would apply in student conduct matters but not in cases of academic misconduct. It would allow students to have an attorney at their own expense, or a non-attorney advocate, “fully participate” during any disciplinary procedure.  One exception would be in student honor courts that are strictly run by students, such as the honor system at UNC Chapel Hill. But it would apply in campus judicial hearings involving sexual assault, for example.”  However, the state is not required to provide counsel.  (Charlotte Observer)

August 26, 2013 – “Last week Civil Beat announced the founding of a nonprofit legal aid organization designed to provide assistance to groups and individuals who are seeking access to government information. The Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest will be part law clinic and part advocate, helping both journalists and citizens untangle freedom of information laws and, when necessary, take legal action against government agencies. The center may be the first of its kind: a full-time legal aid project developed as an offshoot from an individual media company.”  (Nieman Journalism Lab)

August 28, 2013 – The ABA announces its 10 recipients of the Legal Rebel Award today.  Among the 10, 7 are involved in legal education.  Each year, the ABA honors change leaders in legal profession.  For a deeper look at our 2013 class of Legal Rebels, click here.  (ABA Journal)

August 28, 2013 – With the current student loan brouhaha, it was inevitable that pundits started criticizing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (some haven’t stopped).  This Forbes article takes a look at the program, and argues it’s a bad idea.  These issues and more will be discussed during the NALP webinar Join fellow NALP Members on Wednesday, September 11 at 1:00 ET for Student Debt News for Career Advisors, a webinar on the latest on the student debt crisis. This webinar is open to NALP members and is presented by NALP’s Educational Debt Consultant, Heather Jarvis.  (Forbes)

Spotlight on Outstanding Public Servants:  “Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Rogers, the Alpine-based assistant federal public defender chief for the Western District of Texas, El Paso and Pecos divisions, retires today after 30 years of defense-attorney work for federal defendants in need of legal counsel.”  She took an early retirement buyout (due to sequestration) so that younger defenders could keep their jobs.  She has always wanted to work on the border, and spent most of her career defending the most vulnerable.  She was recognized in 2000 as an outstanding Federal Public Defender by the National Association of Public Defenders, and has served as director of the State Bar of Texas.  Learn more about Ms. Rogers and her planned trip around the world.  Congratulations and thank you.  (Big Bend Now)

Super Music Bonus! Lots of  news about new opportunities and new offices opening.  Here’s a track to celebrate the good news.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GwjfUFyY6M

by Christina Jackson, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives & Fellowships

Happy Friday!  Lots of news this week.  Enjoy.

Spotlight on Outstanding Public Servants: If you know someone we should honor, drop me a line.

Here are the week’s headlines:

• Idaho lawmakers looking at systemic changes to indigent defense system;
• WVU law students create business to resolve landlord-tenant issues;
• Canadian Commissioners urge access to justice in both official languages;
• IL Governor signs Access to Justice Act;
• British Columbia Legal Services facing further cuts to service;
• Access to justice abysmal in Canada new report says;
• IL lawyers may “unbundle” services creating greater access to justice;
• Federal courts will also slash private attorney salaries for indigent defense;
• More news on student loans and bankruptcy discharge;
• NY closing in on plan to allow in-house counsel to do pro bono;
• VA certifies William & Mary clinic;
• Spotlight on Public Service Servants: 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington;
• Super Video Bonus!

The summaries:

August 16, 2013– “A committee of Idaho lawmakers has begun the complicated task of trying to bring the state’s public defense system in line with constitutional requirements.  Members of the Public Defense Interim Committee met in Boise on Thursday to hear from state and national experts who warned that Idaho’s system is so inadequate that it’s likely unconstitutional, and as a result, it’s only a matter of time until a lawsuit forces the state to make major changes.”  “The interim committee is expected to present its recommendations and any proposed bills to the full Legislature next year.”  (SFGate)

August 16, 2013– In a college town, there are bound to be countless landlord-tenant issues at the end of every lease year.  West Virginia law student Jordan Loomis learned about these issues the hard way.  After losing his security deposit for not documenting issues that were present when he moved in, he and another WVU law student decided to do something about it.  They created Morgantown Security Deposit to help others with similar problems.  In a partnership with student legal aid, they can also provide legal services should the need arise.  This is a great example of law students identifying a need and filling it.  (The Daily Athenaeum)

August 16, 2013– “The Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada and his counterparts from Ontario and New Brunswick are recommending that the federal Minister of Justice take 10 measures to ensure Canadians have access to justice in both official languages. These recommendations are the result of a joint study on the bilingual capacity of Canada’s superior courts, which was released today by the three commissioners.”  The Commissioners found the judicial appointment process provided an insufficient number of judges that could hear matters in the minority official language.  “The study recommends 10 concrete and pragmatic courses of action that will improve the bilingual capacity of the judiciary of superior courts. The commissioners are urging the federal Minister of Justice to ensure a quick and collaborative implementation of these recommendations.”  (Digital Journal)

August 16, 2013 – “Governor Quinn today signed the Access to Justice Act, a new law to support veterans and active duty servicemembers across Illinois. The new law is designed to provide meaningful access to legal information and representation to the military, veterans and the disadvantaged.”  “In addition to helping veterans receive access to legal representation, the law also creates a task force to review the fees on criminal defendants and civil litigants, making sure the court fees are both efficient and just. The task force will consist of 15 members and is required to submit a report with their findings to the General Assembly by June 1, 2014.”  (eNews Park Forest)

August 17, 2013 – “B.C.’s Legal Services Society is facing a dramatic budget shortfall, and its already-threadbare services face further threat unless the provincial government antes up more cash.”  Options are limited if more funding is not allocated.  The Legal Services Society will either have to cut services by either reducing the amount of fees it pays lawyers or further tighten eligibility requirements.  So far, the Justice Minister has said she’s happy to discuss the situation, but that the province has been more than generous.  (The Vancouver Sun)

August 18, 2013– “Access to justice in Canada is being described as ‘abysmal’ in a new report from the Canadian Bar Association, which also calls for much more than ‘quick fix’ solutions.  The summary report, released Sunday at the association’s conference in Saskatoon, says there is profoundly unequal access to justice in Canada.”  “Inaccessible justice costs us all, but visits its harshest consequences on the poorest people in our communities,” the report says.   “Among other things, the report calls for more federal funding for civil legal aid.  Another goal is to have all law schools in Canada have student legal clinics to help low-income people by 2020. All 31 targets in the report are expected to be completed by 2030.”  (CTV News) (CBC News)

August 19, 2013 – The Illinois Supreme Court, in June 2013, amended its rules so that attorneys could provide limited scope representation.  This allows lawyers to provide services to the segment of the population that makes too much for legal aid but not enough to afford an attorney at traditional market rates.  Unbundled services allow clients to receive legal services on only a portion of a their matter thereby making the legal fees more affordable.  (The National Law Review)

August 19, 2013 – “The federal courts say that private lawyers paid to act as federal public defenders will have their salaries slashed as part of an attempt to survive government cost-cutting measures.  The Judicial Conference of the United States announced Monday that it would reduce by $15 an hour the pay of “panel attorneys.” The year-long cuts start in September.”  The conference decided not to cut staffing, but had to make cuts somewhere.  Federal defenders and panel attorneys represent the vast majority of defendants in federal courts.  (Washington Post)

August 20, 2013– A new report from the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank in Washington, D.C., released on Tuesday urges Congress to take another look at whether some student loans should be dischargeable in bankruptcy.  The report proposes a classification of “‘Qualified Student Loans,’ essentially loans that would remain protected from bankruptcy but would offer reasonable repayment terms for students in college programs with positive employment outcomes.”  “Non-qualified student loans in CAP’s model — like those with unaffordable repayment plans for students who enroll in ineligible education programs — could be discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy after a specified waiting period.”  (The Huffington Post)

• August 20, 2013 – Another student loan discharged in bankruptcy.  “The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Missouri entered an Order on May 29, 2013 approving a settlement for a Missouri woman owing more than $400,000.00 in student loans. Per the settlement the woman, Maria Seedorff, is entitled to receive a bankruptcy discharge of up to $325,000.00 of student loans.”  (The Wall Street Journal Market Watch)

August 20, 2013 – (subscription or free trial required)  “New York is closing in on a plan to allow nonadmitted, in-house counsel to do pro bono work, Court of Appeals Judge Victoria Graffeo said Tuesday, but she also issued a plea for lawyers who fall into that category to fill out the papers required to make them eligible to help close the ‘justice gap.'”  (Law 360)

August 21, 2013–  Senator Mark Warner, speaking at the College of William & Mary Law, announced that “the Department of Veterans Affairs has certified W&M’s Lewis B. Puller, Jr. Veterans Benefits Clinic as a national ‘best practices’ program for expedited submission of disability claims.”  “It will be only the third certified program,” Warner said. “The American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans are the only other two.”  Through the clinic’s work, the VA can process fully developed claims, cutting down on processing time.  And there are as many as fifteen other law schools that plan to open similar clinics.  (The Virginia Gazette)

Spotlight on Outstanding Public Servants:  On August 28, 1963, some 250,000 marched on Washington, DC for jobs and freedom.  Not knowing what to expect and fearing more of the violence they had been experiencing for years, thousands traveled from all over the country to be part of one of the greatest events in US history.  On August 28, more than 2,000 buses, 21 chartered trains, 10 chartered airliners, and uncounted cars converged on Washington.  All regularly scheduled modes of transportation to DC were filled to capacity.  For many, this would be the first time they interacted with members of another race in a peaceful and respectful way.  For the movement, the March is credited with propelling the U.S. government into action on civil rights, creating political momentum for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.  Unfortunately, many of the March’s goals regarding economic equity have not been realized, and there is much more work to be done.

At the commemoration next week, President Obama is expected to confer a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom on Bayard Rustin (one of the organizers of the march) and 15 others.  To read stories from those who were there and see what events are planned, see the 50th Anniversary March on Washington.

Super Video Bonus! From the mind of Christina – Always inspiring and a good reminder that we aren’t yet done making strides for equality- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smEqnnklfYs.

by Christina Jackson, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives & Fellowships

Happy Friday!  For us, the summer is over.  Boo!  The interns finish up this week, and are looking to the start of a new school year.  Thank you so much to our summer interns who contributed in so many ways to the continuing success of PSJD.  Good luck to Blerta, David, Denai, and Charis!!

Spotlight on Outstanding Public Servants: If you know someone we should honor, drop me a line.

Here are the week’s headlines:

• 25 NY counties to share $12 million grant for indigent defense;
• ABA, VA & LSC launch new pro bono initiative to help vets;
• Student Hurricane Network revitalized as Student Disaster Network;
• Free foreclosure services to continue for 2 more years in Gainesville area;
• Beaufort, SC area legal aid and law education groups receive aid for projects;
• New DE state court rule regarding attorneys for post-conviction appeals could cost millions;
• ABA president vows to work on access to justice;
• CA school law giving transgender students access rights gets mixed response;
• Spotlight on Public Service Servants: Those who break down barriers;
• Super Music Bonus!

The summaries:

August 10, 2013 – In response to the increased push for counsel at arraignment, the State of New York created a grant to help counties fulfill their constitutional duty to provide lawyers for indigent criminal defendants.  “25 counties in the state [will] share a grant of $12 million to help provide indigent defendants with legal representation the first time they make a court appearance.”  “The state is also reviewing what it must do in light of a recent Court of Appeals decision in Hurrell-Harring vs. New York, which recognizes that having counsel is critical at arraignment as a key part of criminal proceedings.”  (Watertown Daily Times)

August 10, 2013– “A new initiative to provide pro bono legal assistance to military veterans was announced Saturday by the ABA, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Legal Services Corp.  The initiative, which will launch as a pilot program in Chicago and St. Petersburg, Fla., will recruit lawyers to help veterans prepare their claims with the VA for disability pay. Currently, many veterans go unrepresented while trying to prepare their claims. Under the program, veterans with claims pending may choose whether to accept pro bono assistance from a lawyer.”  (ABA Journal)

August 12, 2013 – All summer long the newly revitalized Student Disaster Network (originally conceived as the Student Hurricane Network, implemented to help Hurricane Katrina victims) has been working to continue to help victims of Hurricane Sandy.  Last week, six students from Baton Rouge, LA (some effected by Hurricane Katrina) volunteered along with several law students from New York law schools in the Touro Law Center’s Disaster Assistance Clinic.  Of course, the legal issues are ongoing, and if you’d like to help, you contact the Clinic through its Director, Professor Benjamin Rajotte. (New York Law Journal) (WNBC 4)

August 12, 2013 – New state court rule in Delaware could cost millions and gridlock the state’s criminal justice system.  “[The] state’s courts adopted a new rule in May, following the 2012 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Martinez v. Ryan, requiring that nearly all indigent inmates in Delaware get a taxpayer-funded attorney for at least one round of post-conviction appeals to argue their trial attorney was ineffective, if they ask.”  So far, the rule has meant requests for attorneys are running at least three times higher than what officials estimated.  And, as of now, state legislators have refused to appropriate any funds to support the increased workload.  (delawareonline)

August 13, 2013 – Under a settlement agreement with the country’s largest mortgage companies, Three River Legal Services will continue to provide free foreclosure assistance to its 17-county service area.  Three Rivers has already assisted 300 homeowners since the program began in March.  The program was set to expire on July 31.  (The Gainesville Sun)

August 13, 2013– “Four Lowcountry legal aid and law education groups received almost $300,000 this month combined from the South Carolina Bar Foundation to support their projects.”  “The grants were part of $1.88 million given to groups statewide that provide services to help low-income people that need representation or educate them on specific legal issues like domestic violence.”  (Beaufort Gazette)

August 14, 2013– Newly installed ABA president James Silkenat said “he plans to help develop a Legal Access Job Corps, which will seek to address the country’s growing unmet legal needs and the underemployment of recent law graduates.  ‘Instead of looking at the dearth of jobs and the large number of unmet legal needs as two separate silos, we will find ways to match young lawyers who need practical job experience with disadvantaged clients who need legal assistance,’ the new president said.”  This is good news for both those who need and those who can provide legal services.  We’ll keep you posted as plans develop.  (Legal Newsline)

August 15, 2013 – “California’s law to give transgender K-12 students rights such as access to the restrooms and locker rooms that they choose has received mixed response from school officials.”  The first of its kind in the nation, it’s drawing both praise and criticism.  “Opponents, who have promised to sue, said the bill infringes on the privacy of public school students.”  “But proponents hailed the law as advancing long-sought rights of transgender students.”  This will certainly be a growing area of litigation in the very near future.  (Contra Costa Times)

Spotlight on Outstanding Public Servants:  Fifty-two years ago this week, Berliners awoke to find a wall dividing their city.  For the next 28 years many would defect from East to West and many, many individuals would work to bring down the wall.  This is a concrete example, but just one of many in which individuals can make a difference to so many be breaking down barriers.  (BBC)  On the legal front, many pioneers have broken barriers so that others may follow.  “Arabella Mansfield (May 23, 1846 – August 1, 1911), became the first female lawyer in the United States when she was admitted to the Iowa bar in 1869.”  (Wikipedia)  “Macon Bolling Allen (August 4, 1816 – June 11, 1894) was the first African American licensed to practice law in the United States, (Maine, 1844), and is believed to be the first African American to hold a judicial position, (Massachusetts, 1848).”  (Wikipedia)   And as we here in DC are getting ready to remember the 1961 March on Washington, let’s remember all those who have broken down barriers large and small.  Thank you!!

Super Music Bonus! From the mind of Christina – For all those going back to school:

by Christina Jackson, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives & Fellowships

Happy Friday!  I can’t believe it’s already August.  It’s almost time to go back to school.  But before that happens, let’s take a little vacation (even if it’s only a mental vacation) with some good news and some good tunes.

Spotlight on Outstanding Public Servants: If you know someone we should honor, drop me a line.

Here are the week’s headlines:

• DC lawyers providing more pro bono work;
• Gift to Oregon Law’s Environmental Center doubles number of fellowships;
• Former MD Governor Ehrlich & Catholic University form legal clinic;
• 50 new public defender positions created in Colorado;
• Bills proposed to shed light on government payouts under EAJA;
• Montgomery County, AL to get a public defenders office;
• Georgia State University Law to provide pro bono bankruptcy assistance;
• Spotlight on Public Service Servants: Smokey Bear and all the millions of firefighters who protect and prevent;
• Super Music Bonus!

The summaries:

August 1, 2013 – A survey by the DC Bar Foundation finds that reported pro bono hours are up in DC .  “The survey results, which included details on how firms managed pro bono programs and how pro bono hours compared with total billable hours, showed more attorneys were not only reporting pro bono work, but were doing more of it.”  Great job DC lawyers –  keep up the good work!  (The Blog of LegalTimes)

August 1, 2013 – The family of Nike pioneer Bill Bowerman gave $1 million to the school’s Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center.  The award will double the number of fellowships for the program.   The gift will also provide a number of other benefits to students and recent graduates.  (sustainable business oregon)

August 2, 2013 – Based on a recent US Supreme Court decision requiring a public defender to be present when those who can’t afford an attorney meet with prosecutors to discuss plea offers, Colorado public defenders expect an increase of cases by 28,000.  “To handle the work load, Colorado legislators increased the number public defenders statewide to handle to added work.”  The bill was recently signed into law.  “The positions won’t be announced until at least Jan.1, 2014 when the funding for the new positions is available.”  (KREX News Channel 5)

August 5, 2013 – “Former Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich has teamed up with the Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law to open a clinic this semester on clemency matters for people with criminal convictions, and the initiative will include a workshop for newly elected governors and their staff.”  “The CUA Law/Ehrlich Partnership on Clemency will be part of the law school’s Innocence Project Clinic. Students will receive clinical experience by preparing pardon applications.”  (boston.com)

August 5, 2013 – “Three bills introduced last week on Capitol Hill intended to curb misuse of federal dollars would reinstate tracking and reporting requirements of payments made through the Judgment Fund and Equal Access to Justice Act.”  The bills stem from accusations of abuse of the fund by anti-agricultural groups, but these bills could have some serious unintended consequences for other non-profits.  “he Judgment Fund is used to pay certain court judgments and settlements against the federal government if those costs are not otherwise covered by appropriated agency budgets.  EAJA was intended to provide individuals, small businesses and small nonprofit groups with financial assistance to sue the federal government or defend themselves from a lawsuit brought by the federal government.”  Each of the three bills intend to make the payments more transparent, but one would also require “‘direct and personal’ relationship to the case to qualify for reimbursement. ”  (Capitol Press)

August 5, 2013 – The State of Alabama has committed $2.2 million to fund a public defenders office in Montgomery County.  The appropriation brings the two-plus-year project closer to fruition.  “The next step is to hire a full-time director who will be responsible for establishing the office and hiring staff, Montgomery County Presiding Circuit Judge Charles Price said.”  The Director and Assistant Director will likely start in October or November.  (Montgomery Advertiser)

August 6, 2013 – Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia will launch the Bankruptcy Assistance and Practice Program this fall.  The program is aimed at offering pro bono bankruptcy assistance to underserved communities in Atlanta.  “Third-year students will enroll in a bankruptcy litigation, negotiation and practice course to bolster skills in bankruptcy law and will work under the supervision of mentor-attorneys to offer free assistance for academic credit.”  The program is funded by “the a competitive Teaching Innovation Grant from the College of Law and sponsorships from local law firms, the State Bar of Georgia, the Atlanta Bar Association and other organizations, university officials said.”  (North Jersey.com)

Spotlight on Outstanding Public Servants:  On this date in 1944, the first Smokey Bear poster debuted and the rest (at least for those of us older than about 25) is history.  Many of us grew up knowing “Only YOU can prevent forest fires.”  And whether you believe climate change is real or a hoax, there is strong evidence that the number of forest fires are increasing in frequency and intensity.  Even the plain old house fire can put a fire fighter in very real danger. So, if you know a firefighter or just see one in the street, please say thanks!!  (Wikipedia) (National Interagency Fire Center)

Super Music Bonus! From the mind of Christina – I was feeling like I really needed a good beach tune this week.  I hope you agree.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8rd53WuojE.

And for those of you lucky enough to be on vacation – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u2G6OyZyCI.

by Christina Jackson, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives & Fellowships

Happy Friday!  It is with a sad heart that we have to say goodbye to Kristian Smith, our Publications Coordinator.  She is an amazing person, and her work on the Federal Legal Employment Opportunities Guide and the Comprehensive Fellowship Guide are invaluable.  She will return to Emory University School of Law for her second year, and will continue in her dedication to serving the public.  A big thank you to Kristian!!

Spotlight on Outstanding Public Servants: If you know someone we should honor, drop me a line.

Here are the week’s headlines:

• Access to justice in Aboriginal Communities in Canada;
• Canadian Government reverses legal clinics funding cut;
• Efforts to help Hurricane Sandy victims continues;
• New York looks to law firm retirees for pro bono;
• Ontario invests in legal services;
• Texas Access to Justice Foundation continues support of Baylor clinic;
• Colorado examining juvenile legal aid;
• Student loan bill passes House goes to President;
• Even pre-law students think a pro bono requirement is a good idea;
• ABA weighs in on sequestration effects on public defenders;
• Spotlight on Public Service Servants: Esther Lardent, Pro Bono Institute;
• Super Music Bonus featuring Kristian Smith, PSJD Publications Coordinator!

The summaries:

July 26, 2013– “At the end of June the Attorney General of Ontario announced that Alvin Fiddler, deputy grand chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation would co-chair a new panel intended to help rectify the severe underrepresentation of First Nations peoples in Ontario’s justice and jury. The panel will oversee the implementation of seventeen recommendations made by former Chief Justice Frank Iacobucci in his report ‘First Nations Representation on Ontario Juries‘.  The report, which was released to the public last February, was initially intended to examine the narrow issue of First Nations peoples and jury representation.  However, with Iacobucci drawing the conclusion that the justice system as it applies to First Nations peoples is in crisis, the report can be read as much larger comment on the justice system more widely.”  I’m certain these conclusions came as no surprise to those interested in access to justice for everyone.  Hopefully, the panel will make some concrete progress soon.  (Slaw – Canada’s online legal magazine)

July 26, 2013 – In very good news for legal aid in Canada, the government has reversed a proposed additional $1 million cut in funding.  “Legal clinics still face a previously announced cut of $5.5 million for 2014.  But the extra $1 million cut that was recently added without consultation will be eliminated.”  Legal clinics still face other cuts, and there are still potential closures in the long-term, but at least for now, the government is listening.  (The Windsor Star)

July 26, 2013 – Over the weekend, World Renew volunteers set up a Sandy Help Fair to “help folks sign up for rebuilding help, legal aid, mold remediation or a disaster case manager, who could point them in the direction of available government recovery funds.”  The recovery effort will go on for some time, and greatest need for legal assistance often comes later.  Check out the article for ways to help.  (Staten Island Advance)

July 26, 2013 – Baby boomers are retiring from law firms in droves and the need for pro bono assistance has never been greater.  To bring the two together, “[t]hree years ago, New York State Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman named John Feerick (director of the Feerick Center for Social Justice at Fordham Law School) and Fern Schair (chair of the center’s advisory board) cochairs of the Attorney Emeritus Program.”  So far, nine firms have signed the participation agreement.  Replicating this program around the country could go a long way in closing the justice gap and give newer attorneys the opportunity to learn.  So, if you’re starting a pro bono program or looking for new blood, don’t forget about the wonderful lawyers with new time on their hands.  (The American Lawyer)

July 29, 2013 – “Ontario is investing in frontline legal aid services to enhance fairness and improve access to justice for low-income families and vulnerable Ontarians.  The government is investing $30 million over three years to improve delivery of frontline client services through Family Law Service Centres and community and legal clinics across the province.”  “Community legal clinics are an important part of the legal aid system, and this funding will help these clinics better respond to the needs of vulnerable people.”  (Ontario News)

July 30, 2013 – ” Baylor Law School has once again received a grant from the Texas Access to Justice Foundation to fund its Veterans Assistance Clinic.  The monthly clinic provides local veterans with legal advice and counsel from law students, faculty members and local attorneys.”  “Baylor Law’s Veterans Assistance Clinic launched last year with the help of a $22,000 grant from the foundation. The clinic will receive the same grant amount this year.”  (Baylor Media Communications)

July 30, 2013 – “At least half of the indigent juvenile offenders in Colorado don’t get legal representation, experts told state lawmakers who began studying the issue Tuesday for possible legislation next year.”  Lawmakers have put together a committee to examine the issue with the potential for proposed legislation in October.  One of the key issues will be adequate resources to provide specialized representation in rural areas.  (ctpost.com)

August 1, 2013 – So after much wrangling, Congress has finally passed something – the student loan bill.  What does that mean for your students?  Check out the updates on NALPconnect in the Public Service Section.  Here are a few articles with different takes on what it all means.  (Politico) (Wall Street Journal Market Watch) (The New York Times)

August 1, 2013 – In what is hopefully a sign of more people doing more pro bono, 68% of the pre-law students surveyed in June by Kaplan Test Prep “said they support a rule requiring law students to complete a certain amount of pro bono work before being admitted to the bar.”   With the NY requirements and the more states hot on it’s heels, we will see potentially an exponential increase in the number of students wanting and needing to do some pro bono work.  Good news for the justice gap.  But, we want to make sure it is smartly done.  Law schools can help by partnering with organizations to provide capable law students and help in the vetting process.  (New York Law Journal)

August 1, 2013 – “The ABA warns in a letter to a U.S. senator that budget cuts to public defender offices imposed by sequestration are ‘creating a marked imbalance in our justice system.’  The letter is intended to supplement the record of a July 23 hearing on the impact of sequestration on federal courts. The letter warns that inadequate funding of any particular justice system function ‘will have a negative ripple effect on the rest of the judicial system, a phenomenon amply demonstrated by the effect that funding cuts to defender services has had on the operation of the courts.’  The sequestration is having differing effects on prosecutor and defender’s offices, creating a marked imbalance in the justice system at the federal level.  (ABA Journal)

Spotlight on Outstanding Public Servants:  Esther Lardent at the Pro Bono Institute is raising the bar for pro bono.  “Her impact has been unparalleled,” says Christopher Herrling, pro bono counsel at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr. “She, more than any individual I can think of, has brought law firm pro bono into the mainstream and made it so that every major law firm in the U.S. [has established a] pro bono program supported by firm leadership.”  Thank you to Esther for standardizing and publicizing all the good work done by law firms and encouraging them to do more.  (The American Lawyer)

Super Music Bonus! Kristian Smith, PSJD Publications Coordinator gives her last musical contribution.  It’s so hard to say goodbye.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18uuczwHp78

by Christina Jackson, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives & Fellowships

Happy Friday!

Spotlight on Outstanding Public Servants: If you know someone we should honor, drop me a line.

Here are the week’s headlines:

• British Columbia legal aid lawyers halt funding protest to show good will to new justice minister;
• Senate Appropriations Committee Allocates $430 Million for LSC;
• New GC for New York Lawyers for the Public Interest;
• Grants give Legal Services of Northern California shot in the arm;
• Crowdfunding comes to legal services;
• Spotlight on Public Service Servants: the US Postal Service, founded on this day in 1775;
• Super Music Bonus featuring Kristian Smith, PSJD Publications Coordinator!

The summaries:

July 19, 2013– “Lawyers who handle legal aid cases in British Columbia have put their protest on hold in an effort to get talks started with the new provincial justice minister after an 18-month deadlock.”  BC trial attorneys began a job action is January 2012, refusing to serve as duty council to those who are appearing for the first time or don’t have a lawyer.  The lawyers are no longer withdrawing their services.Justice Minister Suzanne Anton issued a statement Friday saying she’s looking forward to meeting with legal aid lawyers.  (The Vancouver Sun)

July 19, 2013 – The Senate Appropriations Committee just approved $430 million for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) in FY 2014.  This is a $90 million increase over LSC’s current funding level.  Great news if it clears Congress, so keep your fingers crossed.  (Legal Services Corporation)

July 23, 2013–  “The nonprofit community law organization New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI) has chosen Miranda Massie as their new general counsel. Massie is serving as GC while continuing in her role as the organization’s legal director.”  “In a statement from NYLPI announcing her new position, McGregor Smyth, executive director of the organization, praised Massie’s qualifications.”  “Massie, who started as an environmental justice staff attorney at NYLPI five years ago, told CorpCounsel.com that she is quite pleased by the prospect of helping the organization move forward during a time of growth.”  (Corporate Counsel)

July 23, 2013 –  A pair of grants will temporarily give Legal Services of Northern California the ability to double their efforts to assist low-income residents on the North Coast.  “One grant funded, largely by the National Mortgage Settlement Funds, will add approximately six full-time attorneys to LSNC, which serves low-income residents in 23 Northern California counties.  The other, funded primarily by the Department of Managed Health Care, could add as many as 12 full-time attorneys.”  The term of the grants is 18 months.  (Times-Standard)

July 24, 2013 –  JustAccess is a new crowdfunding resource aimed at increasing access to justice.  Sam Saad, a founder partner and managing director of JustAccess says the goal is to raise $10,000 to support three cases in November.  He is currently in the process of vetting cases, and then the crowd will decide which to support.   The platform is designed to “be an open platform that will not decide on any type of law, or any ideology, or any values, but rather just act as a platform where folks can share their stories and find like-minded individuals,” says Saad.  Once the funds are raised, the litigants will choose their own counsel.  (Canadian Lawyer Magazine)

Spotlight on Outstanding Public Servants:  On this date in 1775, the US Postal System was established with Benjamin Frankin as the first postmaster general.  He would create structures for delivering the mail we still use today.  Now, the United States has over 40,000 post offices and the postal service delivers 212 billion pieces of mail each year to over 144 million homes and businesses in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, the American Virgin Islands and American Samoa. The postal service is the nation’s largest civilian employer, with over 700,000 career workers, who handle more than 44 percent of the world’s cards and letters.  Although the use of the postal system has greatly decreased since the advent of email, who doesn’t still eagerly await their birthday or holiday cards?  Let’s give a big thanks to the many, many hardworking individuals who make those wonderful moments possible.

Super Music Bonus! Kristian Smith, PSJD Publications Coordinator has taken over the reigns for a while.  Today, we salute the many postal workers who bring us important letters and packages.  Thank you!!  – Please, Mr. Postman:

by Christina Jackson, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives & Fellowships

Happy Friday!  Looking for something to do this weekend?  Check out our Having Fun on the Cheap series on PSJD for great options in a number of cities.

Spotlight on Outstanding Public Servants: If you know someone we should honor, drop me a line.

Here are the week’s headlines:

• The Association of Legal Aid Plans of Canada supports training to help meet legal needs of clients with mental health issues;
• Connecticut Bar Association Young Lawyers Division raises $2.1 million in pro bono service;
• Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid celebrates 100 years of advocacy!;
• Harvard’s Legal Aid Bureau also celebrating 100 years of service;
• Legal aid in Ontario seeing unexpected cuts;
• Good example of creating community partnerships – VA awards $1.4 million to Goodwill;
• Dramatic changes to legal service delivery being discussed in Nova Scotia;
• NY panel to look at ways in-house can provide pro bono and increase access to justice;
• Spotlight on Public Service Servants: Legal Aid of Nebraska is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year;
• Super Music Bonus featuring Kristian Smith, PSJD’s Summer Public Interest Projects & Publications Fellow! Read the rest of this entry »

by Christina Jackson, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives & Fellowships

Happy Friday!  Any big summer plans out there?  Are you refreshing and recharging?  I hope so.  If you’re a NALP member, one thing that could help is to join the Public Service Section (if you haven’t already) and consider serving on a work group.  It is a great way to both learn and contribute, and we have a lot of fun on the calls with our colleagues.  To see the Section and work groups, check out NALPconnect.

Spotlight on Outstanding Public Servants: If you know someone we should honor, drop me a line.

Here are the week’s headlines:

• Utah State Bar provides modest means lawyer referral;
• Rankings bombshell – ABA will stop collecting expenditure data;
• McGeorge law school to cut incoming class and staff;
• Federal defenders outlook bleak;
• Wayne State University Law School and ACLU Michigan open a civil rights clinic;
• Spotlight on Public Service Servants: Lonnie Lutz, Coles County (IL) Chief Public Defender, retires after 33 years!;
• Super Music Bonus featuring Ashley Matthews, PSJD Fellow!

Read the rest of this entry »

by Christina Jackson, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives & Fellowships

Happy Friday!  Can it be the end of June?  I’m not sure where the time is going.  So, here’s what’s going on in the world of public service.

Spotlight on Outstanding Public Servants:  If you know someone we should honor, drop me a line.

Here are the week’s headlines:

• NYC expected to shift funds away from 18-B panel attorneys to legal services nonprofits;
• Tennessee using faith-based approach to access to justice;
• Indiana lawmakers boost funding for indigent defense;
• Lay-offs begin at federal defender offices;
• Legal Services NYC strike is over!;
• Get inspired – “Gideon’s Army” – the new HBO documentary premiers July 1;
• Sarasota County (Florida) to sever ties with Gulfcoast Legal;
• Utah State Bar program aims to expand access to legal services;
• Spotlight on Public Service Servants – Holly Skolnick, prominent Greenberg Traurig attorney and pro bono champion dies at 59;
• Super Music Bonus featuring Ashley Matthews, PSJD Fellow!

The summaries:

Read the rest of this entry »