Access to Justice

Lots of people know that a person charged with a crime has a constitutional right to an attorney.  Criminal defendants who cannot pay are represented by public defenders, legal aid societies and court appointed counsel.  

Fewer people are aware that the federal government funds no-cost legal representation for qualifying individuals in certain civil matters.  By no-cost, I mean the client is NEVER charged any fees whatsoever; no hourly fees, no contingency fees (i.e., % of any amount recovered), no filing fees or court costs.

Lyndon Johnson’s “War on Poverty” initiatives gave rise to legislation that included funding for civil legal services.  Legal services attorneys represent clients in disputes that affect basic human rights.   These programs include representation in areas such as:

  Housing.  Landlord-tenant disputes, evictions and matters related to public housing/Section 8 benefits are covered under homelessness prevention initiatives.

  Domestic violence, child custody/visitation.  Disputes involving family court orders of protection and appropriate    custody and visitation arrangements and other problems arising from violence against women are funded under family violence prevention programs.

  Child advocacy.  Legal services lawyers represent parents seeking proper educational services for special needs children.

  Elder law.

  Government benefits.  Representation is available to appeal denials of various benefits (SSI, SSDI, AFDC, etc.)

There’s help available. Many gifted attorneys either volunteer their time or work for modest salaries to provide access to justice.