Alone in Court: How Access to Legal Aid is Tied to Mobility
In more than 70% of civil cases today, people who can't afford legal representation end up going to court alone. Martha Bergmark, Executive Director of Voices for Civil Justice, explains why access to counsel is a make-or-break issue for many families, and advocates for increased funding for legal aid programs.
Here's the @CNN op-ed @MarthaBergmark (@JusticeVoices) penned about access to legal representation: http://t.co/xOGoF8ewS9
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) July 28, 2015
Having access to legal assistance is one of the most important factors in escaping domestic violence situations, says @MarthaBergmark.
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) July 28, 2015
Listeners: have you ever had to represent yourself in civil court because you couldn't afford a lawyer? How did it go? 212-433-9692
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) July 28, 2015
"Fewer than 1 in 5 Americans who need legal services are likely to get it" @MarthaBergmark @BrianLehrer #LegalAidHelps
— Her Justice (@herjusticenyc) July 28, 2015
When a person facing eviction has a lawyer, 2/3 of the time they’re able to keep home. Without a lawyer, lose their home in 2/3 of cases.
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) July 28, 2015
Councilmember @MarkLevineNYC by phone: this is such a crisis. 150,000+ housing court cases/year, and only 10% of tenants have attorneys.
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) July 28, 2015
