The major source of federal funding for civil legal aid comes from a Congressional appropriation for the Legal Services Corporation (“LSC”). LSC, a private non-profit corporation established by Congress in 1974, distributes federal funding to 138 local legal aid programs throughout the country. However, there has been a long-term underinvestment in LSC funding since the early 1980s. When adjusting for inflation, LSC funding has been reduced by almost 40% since 1995 and approximately 50% since 1981. These funding cuts have a direct impact on ordinary Americans, particularly those who are disabled, retired or one paycheck away from homelessness. Just a few examples of the Americans who are helped every day by legal aid groups funded by the Legal Services Corporation--and for too many of whom help is not available because of insufficient funding--include:

A woman and her children victimized by domestic violence seeking an order of protection and child support to give them a fair chance to start a new life.

A senior couple facing foreclosure of the only home they have ever owned after being victimized by consumer fraud.

A veteran of the war in Iraq who served his country well but now is being denied benefits to which she is entitled.

The significant reductions in LSC funding over the past 25 years have perpetuated a major gap in access to justice, as considerable gains in funding from state and local government, the legal community and other private sources have largely been offset by these cutbacks.

For more information on The Chicago Bar Foundation's advocacy work relating to LSC funding, and to get involved, please contact Danielle Hirsch at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 312-554-4952.

 

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