Contact: Lara Slifko, AZFLSE
Phone: 602-340-7235
Email: Lara.Slifko@azflse.org
ABA Recognizes Arizona Legal Services Project with National Award
PHOENIX - Each year, the American Bar
Association honors programs "dedicated to matching the unmet legal
needs" with attorneys providing affordable legal aid. The
Standing Committee on the Delivery of Legal Services reviews
nominations each December looking for projects that have creatively
approached the issue of delivery legal services to those who cannot
afford an attorney, but who do not qualify for free legal
services. Projects must not only be exemplary in their
approach, but must include a model that is easily replicable for
other communities.
In 2009, the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services &
Education and the State Bar of Arizona, along with the Arizona
Legal Services Agencies and local community leaders, started the
Modest Means Project and LegalLearn Contact Center.
LegalLEARN provides legal information and guidance to individuals
with cases in Arizona. The toll-free number offers callers
automated information or staff support options for assistance.
Staff offers callers contact information, programs for assistance,
access to statutes and court rules, forms, general answers as well
as other legal information. LegalLEARN serves as a gateway to the
Modest Means Project (MMP).
MMP assists individuals making 250% or less of the Federal
Poverty Guidelines with Bankruptcy, Consumer Law, Family Law,
Housing, Guardianships and Wills & Trusts issues. In 2011, MMP
will add Appeals and Immigration to its services. The Project
provides 1 hour of brief assistance for $75. For continued
assistance, the $75/hour fee continues. Callers receive an ID
number and a list of attorneys working in the designated practice
area.
In 2010, the Project received 10,897 automated/staff supported
calls and assisted 477 clients through MMP's 54 volunteer
attorneys. This comprehensive approach to assist individuals within
the justice gap is the first of its kind in Arizona.
On February 11, 2011 the ABA presented the award at the ABA's
Winter Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.
About the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services &
Education
The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education
provides technical and financial assistance to legal aid
organizations, schools and community groups. The Arizona
Foundation for Legal Services & Education promotes "Access to
Justice for All Arizonans" by supporting law-related education and
free legal services and by promoting statewide collaborative
efforts.
Helpful Websites:
About the State Bar
The State Bar of Arizona is a non-profit organization that operates under the supervision
of the Arizona Supreme Court.
# # #