At a recent meeting of the 100 Families Initiative, a panel of legal experts discussed legal help for low-income families. The panel included Tyler Armstrong of the nonprofit law firm Center for Arkansas Legal Services and Jeff Thomas and Jackie Mock of Mock Legal Solutions.
“It’s income that is the problem,” said Armstrong when asked about the main issue that individuals face when attempting to access legal services.
The panelists emphasized that legal help for low-income individuals is crucial to ensuring access to justice and equality under the law. The barriers that low-income citizens face when trying to access legal services are numerous and complex.
“I think there’s just a lot of shame and embarrassment, especially with domestic violence situations,” said Mock.
Income inequality, lack of knowledge about legal services, limited access to technology and transportation, and the stigma associated with legal issues are just a few of the obstacles.
“I think some [of the problem] is a lack of knowing,” said Armstrong. “Many clients, even people that can afford legal services, don’t know how to access legal services because it’s not something anyone is raised knowing about or having to deal with.”
Legal aid programs play a vital role in addressing the legal needs of low-income individuals. These programs often face challenges, such as limited capacity and staffing shortages, which can hinder their ability to serve all those in need.
“I think the one thing I would say to the community partners, [is to] inform your clients that…we exist, but also explain that we only can do so much,” said Thomas.
Innovative approaches and partnerships with community organizations and nonprofits have the potential to enhance legal support for low-income individuals. Unbundling services, which allows attorneys to provide limited scope representation for specific legal tasks, can make legal assistance more affordable and accessible.
“Through the Arkansas Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics, they made a push to do what's called unbundling,” said Mock.“So Arkansas attorneys… can now do sort of, a la carte services.”
The panelists said efforts to raise awareness about legal aid services and educate the public about their rights and options are essential. Utilizing technology, such as online intake forms and informational resources on websites, can improve access to legal assistance.
“I think there’s just a lot of room to grow where the different organizations can lean on each other,” said Mock.
The panelists noted that access to legal services is essential for addressing systemic inequalities, protecting fundamental rights, and ensuring that all individuals have equal access to justice. By working together, legal aid programs, community organizations, nonprofits, and private attorneys can make a significant impact in improving access for low-income individuals.
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