NLADA Urges Congress to Reject Recommendation to Eliminate the Legal Services Corporation and Fully Fund LSC to Help Ensure Access to Justice for All

Media Statement

Contact: Sharon Singh: [email protected]; @NLADA

NLADA Urges Congress to Reject Recommendation to Eliminate the Legal Services Corporation and Fully Fund LSC to Help Ensure Access to Justice for All

(Washington, DC) Jo-Ann Wallace, president and CEO, National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) issued the following statement in response to the administration’s proposed budget details released today that includes the elimination of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC):

“The administration’s proposed elimination of LSC would cause millions of Americans to be denied access to critical legal help. LSC grantees provide necessary legal services around the country to help veterans, survivors of natural disasters and domestic violence, seniors, people in rural communities and many others facing legal problems with life-altering consequences.  Defunding LSC promises only to severely exacerbate the disparity in access to justice that already exists for families that cannot afford to pay for legal services.  NLADA appreciates Congress’ commitment to LSC and again urges Members to not only support but increase its allocation to this critical program as the legislative budget process moves forward.”

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The National Legal Aid & Defender Association, founded in 1911, is America’s oldest and largest nonprofit association devoted to excellence in the delivery of legal services to those who cannot afford counsel. NLADA has pioneered access to justice at the national, state and local levels through the creation of our public defender systems and other important institutions from The Sentencing Project to the Legal Services Corporation. A leader in the development of national standards for civil legal aid and public defense, NLADA also provides advocacy, training and technical assistance for equal justice advocates across the country.