American Board of Trial Advocates adopts resolution in support of legal services for those who face economic troubles

DALLAS, Dec. 31, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Board of Trial Advocates has adopted a resolution that supports the work of the Legal Services Corporation. The Legal Services Corporation is an independent nonprofit that provides financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans.

"The American Board of Trial Advocates has always recognized and supported equal justice for all Americans," said Cynthia McGuinn, ABOTA National President. "This resolution seeks to strengthen that vision and to pursue equal justice in the U.S., particularly those who face an economic barrier. Now, more than ever, there is a need to provide legal assistance to those unable to afford adequate legal counsel."

The American Bar Association has also supported the resolution, which provides access to legal help for people to protect their livelihoods, their health, and their families. 

"Equal justice under law is more than just a phrase engraved on the U.S. Supreme Court building. It is the foundation of our American democracy," said Bob Carlson, American Bar Association president. "In the pursuit of justice, it is vital that every person who needs legal assistance with day-to-day problems gets it. The ABA applauds ABOTA for its unwavering support of federal funding for civil legal aid."

The Resolution in Support of Civil Legal Services for the Indigent reads:

WHEREAS, the federal government secures federal rights and has a constitutional objective to establish justice;

WHEREAS, in the interest of justice for all and equal justice under law, it is important for everyone to have access to civil legal help;

WHEREAS, a key federal role in establishing justice is funding civil legal services for the indigent through the Legal Services Corporation;

WHEREAS, the late Justice Antonin Scalia emphasized in speeches on the 40th anniversary of the Legal Services Corporation, "This organization pursues the most fundamental of American ideals, and it pursues equal justice in those areas of life most important to the lives of our citizens," and, "We salute the lawyers who have dedicated their careers to justice. For without access to quality representation there is no justice";

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the American Bar Association and the American Board of Trial Advocates support and are committed to working with public officials and other concerned entities for the restoration of funding for the Legal Services Corporation.

About the American Board of Trial Advocates
Founded in 1958, ABOTA is a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges. ABOTA and its members are dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the civil jury trial right provided by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. ABOTA membership consists of more than 7,600 lawyers—equally balanced between plaintiff and defense—and judges spread among 96 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit www.abota.org.

About the Legal Services Corporation
The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974 to provide financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans. LSC promotes equal access to justice by providing funding to 133 independent nonprofit legal aid programs in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories. LSC grantees serve thousands of low-income individuals, children, families, seniors, and veterans in 813 offices in every congressional district. For more information, visit www.lsc.gov.

For more information:
Brian Tyson
(214) 871-7523
[email protected]

SOURCE American Board of Trial Advocates

Related Links

https://www.abota.org