Civil Legal Aid

For many families, civil legal aid is an essential lifeline that enables them to save their home from a predatory lender seeking foreclosure, recover back wages from a cheating employer, or end abuse by a violent spouse.

But the lifeline is frayed to the breaking point. Anemic funding for the federal Legal Services Corporation (LSC) limits the families that legal aid lawyers can serve. And, a draconian restriction has blocked LSC-funded programs from relying on non-federal money to finance certain essential categories of advocacy. In order to engage in restricted activities, LSC-funded organizations must establish a physically separate entity—with separate office space, personnel, and equipment. This “physical separation” requirement has proven nearly impossible for legal aid organizations.

This federal funding restriction prohibits these programs from filing class action lawsuits, even on behalf of seniors targeted by predatory lenders.  It prevents the representation of certain legal immigrants, even in suits to recover stolen back wages. And, it prohibits all claims for court-ordered attorneys’ fees, even where such fees are among the only effective tools for protecting victims of domestic violence victims from continued abuse.

Through litigation and a national public education campaign, we are working to fix this restriction. We are joined by a broad coalition that includes non-profits and charities, and state and local governmental entities.

To read what should be done to reform LSC and restore legal aid for the poor in an online chapter of the Center for American Progress' new book, Change For America, click here.

    North American Agreement on Labor Cooperation (NAALC) Complaint

    The Brennan Center works to ensure access to legal representation and enforcement of labor rights for workers in the United States on H2-B visas.

    Dobbins/Velazquez v. Legal Services Corporation

    This lawsuit challenges restrictions on civil legal aid programs that receive some of their funding from the federal Legal Services Corporation (LSC).

    Inter-American Court of Human Rights - Immigrant Rights

    The Brennan Center participated in an amicus brief in support of a Mexican government petition to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights alleging that various types of U.S. discrimination against undocumented immigrants violate international human rights instruments. 

    More Court Cases

    Laura MacCleery

    A Legal Practice Well Worth Doing

    Community lawyering models get a boost from this new study of one legal services provider.

    Laura Klein Abel

    Common Sense Solutions for Civil Legal Aid

    The Civil Access to Justice Act is a vitally important move at exactly the right time....

    Thaddeus Kromelis

    Congress Boosts Funding for Legal Services Corporation

    In tough economic times, the LSC will receive a $40 million increase in funding for FY 2009....

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    Illustrations by Risko

    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). 

    New Study Urges Congress to Remove Federal Restrictions on Legal Aid

    Federal funding restrictions on legal aid for the poor are wasting money and undercutting the ability of families to fend off foreclosure and other legal problems amid the economic crisis, according to a white paper released today by the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law . . .

    President’s Budget Calls for Removal of Three Outdated Restrictions on Legal Services for the Poor

    Cost-free measure would expand access to legal assistance amid economic crisis.

    More Press Releases

    45 House Members Call for the Repeal of Three of the Major LSC Restrictions

    Members of Congress call on the Chair and Ranking Member of the House Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Subcommittee to repeal three of the major restrictions on legal services providers receiving grants from the federal Legal Services Corporation.

    Joint Letter to Chairwoman Mikulski, Chairman Mollohan, Sen. Shelby and Rep. Wolf

    Organized by the Brennan Center, a letter from over 60 groups urging Congress to lift several of the restrictions on Legal Services Corporation grantees.

    Civil Access to Justice Act of 2009

    LSC reauthorization legislation introduced by Senator Harkin.

    More Legislation & Testimony

    LCCR Urges Senate to Lift Legal Services Restrictions and Fully Fund LSC

    Leader in Civil Rights Community, LCCR, writes letter to Senate urging repeal of legal services restrictions in FY 2010 Appropriations legislation.

    Timeline of FY 2010 Appropriations Process and Efforts to Repeal the LSC Restrictions

    An overview of the progress in this year’s efforts to lift the legal services restrictions.

    Congress Must Lift Restrictions on Legal Aid

    For the first time in more than a decade, Congress has a real chance to lift the crippling restrictions on the federally financed Legal Services Corporation (LSC) that have hampered the agency’s efforts to assist poor people seeking redress through the courts . . . . 

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