 Judge Erin O'Connell, Rudy Sanchez (DNA People's Legal Services), Sonya Bellafant (New Mexico Legal Aid), and Maria Griego (the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty) were distinguished panelists at an event at UNM Law School co-sponsored by Equal Access to Justice and APIL on March 20. This marks the third consecutive year of collaboration, emphasizing outreach to UNM Law Students.
Judge Erin O’Connell opened the event with a presentation on the importance of civil legal services, emphasizing the need for them in New Mexico’s “legal desert.” For instance, 75% of low-income households face at least one legal problem, and 92% do not get any or enough legal help. For every 14,000 low-income individuals in New Mexico, there is only one NMLA attorney. Panelists addressed the critical significance of equal access to justice and the provision of legal services to underserved communities. With Professor Serge Martinez as the moderator, the panel explored vital topics surrounding legal equity and community empowerment. Watch the livestream recording.
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 Inspired by John Bigelow's challenge, dedicated supporter, Bruce Thompson, generously added another $5,000 to the match! Here's what he recently shared with us:
"Learning of John Bigelow’s generous matching challenge today snapped me out of my day-to-day legal work and caused me to reflect on some bigger things. John reminded me how important legal services are, both civil and criminal, for those who can’t afford it. So many around us lack the ability to stay clothed and housed, much less the means to protect themselves from unfair practices or to vindicate their basic rights in court. Equal Access to Justice provides one of the most basic essentials: dignity. To stand with John and all the others in support of this great project, I am joining him in providing another $5,000 to his matching challenge." Thank you! Donate to Equal Access to Justice before March 31st and your donation will matched dollar for dollar. Answer John and Bruce's $10,000 Matching Challenge and see what your generosity will inspire! Here's what inspired John Bigelow's challenge! “I was fortunate to work as a law clerk and then later as a lawyer in the Office of Economic Opportunity legal services offices in Alaska and California. Those experiences, along with my role as New Mexico’s chief public defender, brought home to me the importance of legal services – both civil and criminal – for those without the means to provide their own. It is now fifty years since the Legal Services Corporation formally recognized at a federal level the need to help provide civil legal services across the country. To emphasize the continued tremendous value of civil legal services and advocate for increased funding, I am providing this $5,000 matching challenge. Give generously before March 31st and your gift to Equal Access to Justice will be matched dollar for dollar. Donate today, and together, we can make a consequential impact in our community.” |
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