2022 Pro Bono Grants Totaling $4.75 Million Awarded to Legal Aid Organizations

Alaska Legal Services Corporation Awarded $350,000 Grant to Improve Pro Bono Services

WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding a $350,206 Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant to Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC).

ALSC is one of 15 legal aid organizations receiving a grant. In total, LSC is awarding $4.75 million to support the growth of pro bono legal services for low-income Americans.

Last year, 74% of low-income households faced at least one civil legal problem, according to LSC’s recently released Justice Gap report. Alarmingly, low-income Americans received no or insufficient legal help for 92% of their substantial civil legal problems. Expanding pro bono and other volunteer services will allow civil legal aid providers to better address these urgent, unmet needs.

“Meeting the vast legal needs of low-income Americans is a tough job for legal aid providers with limited resources,” said LSC President Ronald S. Flagg. “Engaging pro bono attorneys and volunteers adds a powerful network that multiplies the impact of these organizations.”

LSC awarded these grants from its Pro Bono Innovation Fund included in its FY 2022 congressional appropriation. Since 2014, LSC has awarded 121 grants totaling more than $35 million. Each organization’s project involves innovative solutions to persistent challenges in pro bono delivery systems that can be replicated by other service providers across the country.

ALSC will use the grant to create a cohesive pro bono unit integrated into the organization’s day-to-day operations across offices. To accomplish this, ALSC will merge its community advocate and pro bono programs. Integrating offices will enable a new level of access to the rural communities ALSC serves.

California Legal Aid Providers Awarded $1.1 Million in Grants to Improve Pro Bono Services

WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding more than $1.1 million in Pro Bono Innovation Fund grants to three California legal aid organizations. Inland Counties Legal Services (ICLS) will receive $435,404, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) will receive $383,696, and California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) will receive $367,167.

These are three of 15 legal aid organizations receiving a grant. In total, LSC is awarding $4.75 million to support the growth of pro bono legal services for low-income Americans.

ICLS will use its grant to transform and modernize its pro bono program. It plans to first perform an assessment of its current barriers and opportunities. Then ICLS will utilize grant resources to build a more effective pro bono program that embraces technology, engages a diverse range of volunteers and is deeply integrated across the organization.

LAFLA’s grant will support its Veterans of Color Advocacy Project (VOCAP), which will help veterans overcome the barriers associated with having a criminal record to gain self-sufficiency and stability. The project will incorporate volunteer attorneys, paralegal students and law students at each stage of expungement cases, from record evaluations and document preparation to hearings. Through VOCAP, LAFLA aims to further engage veterans to address longer-term legal matters. Leveraging volunteers for record-clearing will free up staff resources to assist veterans with their additional legal needs, including veterans' benefits claims and discharge upgrades.

With its pro bono program grant, CRLA aims to reduce barriers to success for low-income Central Coast residents eligible for criminal record expungement through reentry advocacy provided by pro bono volunteers supervised by CRLA attorneys. The project seeks to engage private law firms, pro bono attorneys, law students, undergraduates and paralegal externs. Volunteers will provide direct expungement services and clerical support, as well as deliver outcome surveys during client follow-up to evaluate service impact.

Members of California’s congressional delegation congratulated ICLS, LAFLA and CRLA on receiving pro bono grants.

“I commend the Legal Services Corporation for their commitment to increasing Americans’ access to necessary legal assistance—regardless of their zip code or income level,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “This funding will help more Californians—from rural to urban communities—get pro bono legal assistance to navigate the justice system.”

“I am thrilled that Inland Counties Legal Services, Inc. was awarded a $430,000 Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant thanks to the generosity of the Legal Services Corporation. This grant will allow Inland Counties Legal Services to assess barriers and opportunities and provide resources to develop an effective pro bono program,” said Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41). “This is an incredible win for the Inland Empire that will help close the justice gap for low income communities across the region.”

“Everyone has the right to high-quality, affordable legal services,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-31). “I am proud to see this federal funding go to advancing Inland Counties Legal Services, Inc.’s pro bono program. Together, we can narrow the justice gap throughout the Inland Empire and ensure that no one falls through the cracks in our justice system. I look forward to seeing the results of this program for Inland Empire residents.”

“Pro bono legal services in the Inland Empire are essential to working families,” said Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35). “Modernizing our pro bono programs is also essential, especially with the quality of services or residents are able to receive. I’m proud Inland Counties Legal Services, Inc. is receiving this critical federal funding from Legal Services Corporation, which will allow them to serve more residents and help prevent unfair evictions, protect victims of domestic abuse, and ensure seniors and veterans can access their benefits.”

Georgia Legal Services Program Awarded $300,000 Grant to Improve Pro Bono Services

WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding a $304,946 Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant to Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP).

GLSP is one of 15 legal aid organizations receiving a grant. In total, LSC is awarding $4.75 million to support the growth of pro bono legal services for low-income Americans.

GLSP will use the grant to create standardized policies and procedures for its pro bono program. Standardization will improve the integration of pro bono services into regional office operations, increase communication among regional pro bono staff and support consistent delivery of high-quality legal services to low-income GLSP clients throughout the state.

Members of Georgia’s congressional delegation congratulated GLSP on receiving the pro bono grant.

“We’re constantly pushing our country toward its highest ideals, and that includes removing barriers so that everyone, no matter their background, can access quality legal services,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I’m glad to see that the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) will be awarding a Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant to Georgia Legal Services Program. This will bring us closer to ensuring every Georgian can navigate our judicial system fairly.”

“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I work every year to ensure adequate federal funding for the Legal Services Corporation so that they can provide much-needed legal help to vulnerable Americans. I am pleased to see that the Georgia Legal Services Program will receive this substantial Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant to bridge the gaps for Georgia families who need legal assistance,” said Rep. Sanford D. Bishop (GA-2).

Illinois Legal Aid Organizations Awarded $600,000 in Grants to Improve Pro Bono Services

WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding more than $600,000 in Pro Bono Innovation Fund grants to two Illinois legal aid providers. Land of Lincoln Legal Aid will receive $369,179 and Legal Aid of Chicago (LAC) will receive $256,496.

These are two of 15 legal aid organizations receiving a grant. In total, LSC is awarding $4.75 million to support the growth of pro bono legal services for low-income Americans.

With its grant, Land of Lincoln will establish the Justice in Schools Project (JSP) in partnership with East St. Louis School District 189 and volunteer attorneys to provide civil legal services to students’ families. JSP will engage volunteers from area law firms and corporate legal departments to provide advice, brief service and extended representation to District 189 families with civil legal issues impacting their health, safety and economic security.

LAC first received a Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant in 2020 to support the Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline Project. Its 2022 grant will help to sustain the project. In the first sixteen months, the project has provided services in more than 160 expungement cases with a 100% success rate for the 73 cases that have gone to disposition. LAC has also recruited 38 pro bono attorneys and created e-learning modules for both the juvenile expungement and the school discipline aspects of the project.

Members of Illinois’ congressional delegation congratulated Land of Lincoln and LAC on receiving pro bono grants.

“Providing pro bono services to families with legal issues impacting their health, safety, and economic security can make life-changing differences,” said Senator Dick Durbin. “These federal funds will support the Legal Service Corporation’s mission to ensure that all people have equal access to our system of justice.”

“For many years, the Legal Aid Chicago operated an office across the hall from my district office and it was a great pleasure to see the attorneys early in the mornings and late into the evenings working in behalf of their disadvantaged and needy clients,” said Rep. Danny Davis (IL-7) “From my vantage point, these legal aid lawyers are the salt of the earth, pillars of the universe, and I am delighted that the organization is receiving this grant.”

"Legal Aid Chicago provides exceptional, much-needed legal services across the Chicagoland area, and I am thrilled to see them receive this recognition and support," said Rep. Marie Newman (IL-3). "Their work exemplifies how the legal system can be a tool to build a more just and equal community. Supporting Legal Aid Chicago means supporting one of the region's toughest fighters against poverty and inequality.”

“I am deeply grateful to learn that Legal Services Corporation is awarding Legal Aid Chicago with a grant to support their initiative of addressing institutional racism and helping Chicago’s youth achieve success,” said Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-5). “Their Disrupting the School-to-Prison pipeline program has already shown incredible success and I am eager to see what they can achieve for our city’s young people through this grant. I have had the pleasure of working with Legal Services Corporation and Legal Aid Chicago for many years and I hope to continue our partnerships for years to come.” 

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services Corporation Awarded $127,000 Grant to Improve Pro Bono Services

WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding a $127,056 Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant to Southeast Louisiana Legal Services Corporation (SLLS).

SLLS is one of 15 legal aid organizations receiving a grant. In total, LSC is awarding $4.75 million to support the growth of pro bono legal services for low-income Americans.

SLLS first received a Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant in 2020 to support its Pro Bono Security Deposit Theft Project. The 2022 grant will support the project, which is working to close the justice gap for vulnerable tenants through the efforts of volunteers. SLLS will increase its capacity to deliver services to tenants impacted by the pandemic and Hurricane Ida through additional pro bono attorneys, a corporate legal department, law students and undergraduates. Volunteers will provide representation and services through all stages of a security deposit theft case including demand, negotiation, court representation and collection.

Representative Troy Carter (LA-2) congratulated SLLS on receiving the pro bono grant.

“Justice should never be pay-to-play, but all too often access to legal assistance can be out of reach for my constituents,” said Rep. Carter. “I’m grateful that the Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) is receiving funds from LSC to increase their capacity to help achieve justice for vulnerable tenants through their Pro Bono Security Deposit Theft Project. These funds will directly help struggling tenants impacted by the pandemic and recent storms receive the security deposits they are rightfully owed.”

Northeast Legal Aid Awarded $275,000 Grant to Improve Pro Bono Services

WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding a $275,000 Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant to Northeast Legal Aid (NLA).

NLA is one of 15 legal aid organizations receiving a grant. In total, LSC is awarding $4.75 million to support the growth of pro bono legal services for low-income Americans.

NLA will use the grant to increase pro bono representation for low-income tenants facing eviction for non-payment of rent. The project seeks to engage Boston-based large law firm attorneys and local counsel to help tenants during non-payment of rent eviction actions. This assistance includes drafting initial pleadings, accessing rental assistance, mediation and court representation.

Members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation congratulated NLA on receiving the pro bono grant.

“In the midst of a housing crisis, Northeast Legal Aid helps struggling families facing extreme housing costs remain in their homes,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “This Pro Bono Fund Grant from the Legal Services Corporation will allow Northeast Legal Aid to continue the critical work of empowering low-income renters facing eviction.”

“Housing is a human right. Northeast Legal Aid’s housing attorneys work hard to ensure that Massachusetts working families facing eviction have the support they need—from accessing rental assistance to securing representation in court. I thank LSC for tirelessly supporting these efforts to protect tenants in their time of need,” said Senator Ed Markey.

Michigan Advocacy Program Awarded $320,000 Grant to Improve Pro Bono Services

WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding a $320,906 Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant to Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP).

MAP is one of 15 legal aid organizations receiving a grant. In total, LSC is awarding $4.75 million to support the growth of pro bono legal services for low-income Americans.

MAP will use the grant to increase access to criminal record expungements for low-income residents of South-Central Michigan. The project will create a Legal Navigator online program that engages non-attorney administrative volunteers to efficiently address the burdensome administrative tasks required for clients to apply for criminal records expungements. The Legal Navigator program will include partnerships with paralegal training programs, law schools and community groups. In addition, the project staff will work with existing MAP staff and volunteers to identify areas to engage in appellate or strategic advocacy in the implementation of the state’s new expungement laws.

Nevada Legal Services Awarded $370,000 Grant to Improve Pro Bono Services

WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding a $377,782 Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant to Nevada Legal Services (NLS).

NLS is one of 15 legal aid organizations receiving a grant. In total, LSC is awarding $4.75 million to support the growth of pro bono legal services for low-income Americans.

NLS will use the grant to engage pro bono attorneys directly in the school setting at the Myrtle Tate Elementary School in Las Vegas. The goal of the program is to create an access point to NLS’ services for low-income clients in a community who would otherwise go unserved. The project seeks to engage attorneys from large firms and corporate legal departments in the Las Vegas Valley to advise parents of school children on various legal topics, including income and housing insecurity, dangerous or unhealthy living conditions, and custody instability.

Members of Nevada’s congressional delegation congratulated NLS on receiving the pro bono grant.

“This grant will be used by the attorneys at Nevada Legal Services, Inc to provide critical services for underserved populations who may not have access to attorneys or legal representatives. The funding will support a program that offers legal help to low-income parents with a range of issues, from income and housing insecurity to living conditions and custody instability. I’m glad Legal Services Corporation is providing this funding to help disadvantaged families in District One,” said Rep. Dina Titus (NV-1).

“These funds are well deserved by Nevada Legal Services, Inc., in recognition of their outstanding work to provide pro bono legal services to low-income Nevadans,” said Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-4). “Their innovative outreach efforts make sure they reach low-income clients in the community. Their work around income and housing, healthy living conditions and custody matters are vital to the working families they serve in the Las Vegas area."

Ohio Legal Aid Providers Awarded $600,000 in Grants to Improve Pro Bono Services

WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding more than $600,000 in Pro Bono Innovation Fund grants to two Ohio legal aid organizations. Community Legal Aid Services, Inc. (CLASI) will receive $180,764 and The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland will receive $433,243.

CLASI and Legal Aid of Cleveland are two of 15 legal aid organizations receiving a grant. In total, LSC is awarding $4.75 million to support the growth of pro bono legal services for low-income Americans.

CLASI first received a Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant in 2019 to create the Clarence Darrow Court Clinic (CDCC), a judicially led pro bono legal clinic executed through a partnership between CLASI, Trumbull County’s seven courts and the Trumbull County Bar Association. CLASI will use its 2022 grant to expand the CDCC, which has decreased the number of unrepresented and unprepared defendants in housing and consumer cases and increased the amount of pro bono participation throughout Trumbull County. CLASI will use the same financial and staff resources to maintain and refine the CDCC in Trumbull County, while also expanding and replicating the model in neighboring Mahoning County.

The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland will use its grant to address the housing safety needs of low-income tenants through the Lawyers Advocating for Safe Housing (LASH) project. In addition to eviction defense, the project will identify ways for volunteers to assist with issues that relate to unsafe living situations: housing conditions, rent deposits, lockouts and utility shutoffs. LASH will engage law firm attorneys, corporate counsel and retired attorneys to resolve these legal issues for tenants.

Members of Ohio’s congressional delegation congratulated CLASI and Legal Aid of Cleveland on receiving the pro bono grant.

“How much money you make shouldn’t determine whether you have fair representation in court,” said Senator Sherrod Brown. “These funds for the Legal aid Society of Cleveland and Community Aid Legal Services will help ensure all Ohioans have the representation they need to protect their rights against debt collectors, banks, and landlords trying to evict them.”

“Access to fair, equitable, and safe housing is a right that all Americans deserve, regardless of their financial straits or income level,” said Rep. Shontel Brown (OH-11). “The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland has advocated for residents and families for more than a century and is a trusted ally in the Northeast Ohio community. The awarded funding will continue to assist their volunteers and clients in battling housing instability and unsafe living conditions and aid in creating safer communities in the Cleveland area.”

Legal Services of the Virgin Islands Awarded $200,000 Grant to Improve Pro Bono Services

WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding a $204,429 Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant to Legal Services of the Virgin Islands (LSVI).

LSVI is one of 15 legal aid organizations receiving a grant. In total, LSC is awarding $4.75 million to support the growth of pro bono legal services for low-income Americans.

LSVI will use its grant to re-imagine the provision of pro bono services provided by private attorneys in the Virgin Islands to LSVI-eligible clients. Through the collaborative partnerships with the Virgin Islands Bar Association and the courts, LSVI will engage private attorneys to take cases by incentivizing them to learn a new practice area of law while earning Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit. LSVI will leverage and maximize the use of its newly implemented Legal Server Case Management System to make it convenient for volunteer attorneys and the LSVI Project Staff to manage and report case status. LSVI’s goal is to boost the bar’s pro bono attorney corps, with 15% of members taking on at least two pro bono cases per year.

Representative Stacey Plaskett congratulated LSVI on receiving the pro bono grant.

“I am very pleased to hear that Legal Services of the Virgin Islands (LSVI) has been awarded the Pro Bono Innovation Fund Grant in the amount of $200,000,” said Rep. Plaskett. “LSVI has helped Virgin Islanders who are unable to afford private legal counsel for many years and this funding will go toward continued improvements in and support of their pro bono service offerings in our territory. Thank you to the Legal Services Corporation for making these resources available to LSVI and other organizations like it.”

Legal Action of Wisconsin Awarded $360,000 Grant to Improve Pro Bono Services

WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding a $368,277 Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant to Legal Action of Wisconsin (LAW).

LAW is one of 15 legal aid organizations receiving a grant. In total, LSC is awarding $4.75 million to support the growth of pro bono legal services for low-income Americans.

LAW will use the grant to establish a Lawyer-For-A-Day (LFAD) program defending cases filed against consumers in Small Claims Court by third-party debt collectors or debt buyers. The project seeks to engage volunteer attorneys from the consumer bar, corporate attorneys and law students. The project’s goal is to enforce consumers’ rights by reducing uncontested and “rubber-stamped” judgments against debtors. LAW will develop this project in the Milwaukee County Small Claims Court, where it has an existing LFAD project addressing evictions.

Senator Tammy Baldwin congratulated LAW on receiving the pro bono grant.

“Legal Action Wisconsin has helped fulfill the American ideal ‘justice for all’ and ensure our justice system works for all Wisconsinites,” said Senator Baldwin. “This grant from the Legal Services Corporation will help Legal Action Wisconsin establish a Lawyer-For-A-Day (LFAD) program and expand their innovative work defending consumers’ rights against debt collectors. The Badger State is fortunate to have Legal Action Wisconsin and their network of volunteers helping ensure our legal system is fair for those living in marginalized and underserved communities, and I am excited to see their continued impact with this investment from the Legal Services Corporation.”

Pro Bono Innovation Fund (PBIF)

Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974. For 50 years, LSC has provided financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans. The Corporation currently provides funding to 130 independent nonprofit legal aid programs in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.  