Press Releases
Attorneys' Fee Awards
Senate Appropriations Committee Votes to Repeal “Poison Pill” Restriction on Federal Legal Services
On June 25, 2009, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted to lift the “LSC poison pill restriction” - the federal appropriations provision that encumbers up to $490 million in state, local, and charitable private contributions raised by legal services nonprofits that receive federal funding from the nation’s Legal Services Corporation (LSC).
– 06/29/09
Senator Harkin Introduces Civil Access to Justice Act
In today’s economy, there is a growing demand for civil legal aid representation. The Civil Access to Justice Act will significantly improve access to civil legal aid by removing severe litigation restrictions, increasing funding, and expanding law school clinics’ legal assistance.
– 03/26/09
U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Review Restrictions on Funding for Lawyers for the Poor
Complying with this “physical separation requirement” is so expensive that virtually none of the 138 LSC grantees around the country comply.
– 10/01/07
Civil Rights Advocates Warn of Dangers to Enforcement of Civil Rights Laws
“Enormous collateral damage” could result in future pro bono and civil rights cases if the U.S. Court of Appeals does not reconsider its recent ruling in Arbor Hill v. County of Albany.
– 05/22/07