Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s Post

Empire Justice Center, in partnership with National Center for Law and Economic Justice filed a class action lawsuit against New York State due to their failure to ensure timely fair hearings for people waiting on answers regarding their public benefits. These delays "not only violate state and federal law, but also result in hunger, hardship, and deprivation for thousands of low-income New Yorkers." Read more about the issue and our case in the New York Focus article: https://lnkd.in/epX9NGSt

"in 2022, 73% of low-income individuals had legal problems related to basic needs, but legal aid declined 92% of cases due to insufficient staffing." https://lnkd.in/eHY9vse4

How has the removal of COVID-19 pandemic eviction protections impacted housing legal needs for low-income Americans? Equal Justice Works has answers! A new nationwide assessment by the EJW's Housing Justice Program shows how the removal of these housing protections resulted in soaring legal needs – but also how legal aid organizations are rising to meet the challenge in creative ways! Read EJW's report for insights. #Housing #Evictions #LegalAid #AccesstoJustice

I don't get excited for much, but this opportunity is nothing short of amazing. I'm humbled to be included in a small but mighty group of advocates in training to become a Housing Stability Legal Advocate (HSLA). #fairhousing It's no secret that communities across this nation are drowning in a sea of unmet legal needs. From families facing eviction to those battling racial injustices, debt collectors or domestic violence, low-income communities are bearing the brunt of this crisis. Just look at the staggering number: 93% of these life-altering legal problems go completely ignored or barely acknowledged. #legaladvocacy I do not accept this. #fierceadvocate Innovation for Justice (i4J) gets it. They understand the critical need for deep community collaboration. Together, we can transform this broken system and get real results for the people who need it most. If you are looking for the chance to stand in the gap, to be a fierce advocate, and fight for justice for those who can't fight for themselves please contact Rachel C Crisler to learn more about how you can make a difference! #socialjustice

This piece might be of interest to our new UK AG and Minister of Justice. There is much to be done to improve access to justice that affects the poor and people experiencing disadvantages eg disability, discrimination, and poor mental health and housing insecurity. I have ideas on how we can improve legal services with a better way of using existing funding and long overdue evidence based effectiveness in holistic responses. See below https://lnkd.in/e2FxpNsG

In this op-ed, I share why it is so important for Colorado to catch up to other Western states when it comes to investing in civil legal aid to advance the founding principle of “and justice for all.”    Every day at Colorado Legal Services and organizations like us, attorneys and mission staff help some of the most vulnerable Coloradans escape domestic violence, receive veterans’ benefits, keep their homes, fight the mistreatment of older Coloradans, stop unfair treatment in their workplace, and much more. And we do it on a shoestring.   #legalaid #colorado https://lnkd.in/gCVbUEaS

Planning for the future of a loved one with special needs requires careful consideration, especially when it comes to preserving their access to essential government benefits like the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). A Henson Trust is managed by a trustee, who has full discretion over how the funds are used, ensuring they cater to the evolving needs of the beneficiary—whether for housing, education, or medical expenses. At Hagel Lawfirm, we specialize in establishing Henson Trusts as part of comprehensive estate planning. We help you navigate the complexities, ensuring your loved one is cared for not just today, but well into the future, without jeopardizing their benefits. Contact Hagel Lawfirm to schedule your consultation and have all your questions answered by Dorothy Hagel and her team. Please Note: This Post is for information purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. #estate #Will #lawyer #EstateLaw #legacy #law #wealth #WealthManagement #wealthplan #EstatePlanning101 #legalawarenes #hagellawfirm #canada #portcredit #mississauga #brampton #GTA #ontario #HensonTrust

Economic Justice Australia nails it!   "Total system failure" is where Welfare Rights Centre is headed if we don't get the funding we need to meet the demand. Yes, we do incredible work – we change lives, equip the community sector with expertise in social security law, and advise the government on much-needed reforms. But we’re on the brink. Our intake system is groaning under the weight of demand. Families are surviving on just one Centrelink payment. Imagine trying to live on $500 a week for a family of eight. We have the knowledge to help them access their full entitlements, but we simply don’t have the resources. This is unconscionable. Things cannot go on like this.

The Federal Government’s $3.9 billion commitment to frontline legal assistance services is a welcome step in the right direction, but it barely scratches the surface of the chronic underfunding of community legal centres. At Justice Support Centre, we supported over 13,394 people in the last financial year alone, including 11,671 women and children facing the reality of domestic and family violence. Our CEO, Melanie Noden, emphasises, “Our community is one of the fastest growing in need, with a staggering 26% increase last year. This trend shows no signs of slowing, as Western Sydney’s population is set to hit 3.2 million over the next decade—more than 10% of Australia’s total population.” While we appreciate the Commonwealth’s commitment, it is clear that urgent, meaningful action is needed to secure these vital services and ensure fair wages for the dedicated workforce behind them. The demand for legal support is escalating, and funding must urgently rise to meet this growing need. >>> Read the CLC Media Release: https://lnkd.in/gDJmMxz7 #communitylegal #funding #domesticviolence #legalsupport #justicesupportcentre #dfv