Access to Justice Foundation & Commission Meeting

June 4th, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom

Agenda & Materials

9 a.m. to 10 a.m.–Justice Index Discussion (Ethics CLE)

Description: Staffers from the National Center for Access to Justice at Fordham Law School will discuss the newly updated Justice Index. The Justice Index is a snapshot of how well states are performing in providing access to justice for the most vulnerable members of society. The Justice Index provides valuable insights into reforms that are needed in Arkansas and examples of other states that have found practical means for implementing these reforms.

Introduction by: Mr. Mayfield

Materials: Justice Index Discussion Points for Arkansas

Panelists:

    • Jamie Gamble–Senior Counsel & Director of Justice Index Project, National Center for Access to Justice
    • Chris Albin-Lackey–Legal and Policy Director, National Center for Access to Justice

10 a.m. to 11 a.m.–Legal Aid Attorney Panel (Ethics CLE)

Description: Legal aid attorneys from the Center for Arkansas Legal Services and Legal Aid of Arkansas will discuss the challenges and rewards in their day-to-day work. They’ll also describe opportunities for collaboration with the private bar. We hope that this will be a lively discussion, so please come with questions and comments!

Moderator: Jordan Bates-Rogers

Panelists:

    • Kendall Lewellen–Housing Work Group Leader, Center for Arkansas Legal Services
    • Cecille Doan–Consumer Protection Work Group Leader, Center for Arkansas Legal Services
    • Julie Norman–Managing Attorney of Little Rock Office, Center for Arkansas Legal Services
    • Victoria Frazier–Staff Attorney-Consumer Work Group, Legal Aid of Arkansas
    • Mary Goff–VOCA Attorney, Legal Aid of Arkansas
    • Kevin De Liban–Director of Advocacy, Legal Aid of Arkansas

11 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.–Break

11:10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.–Business Meeting

Executive Director’s Report–Mr. Bates-Rogers (for information)

  • Welcome Gwen Rucker to Foundation Board & Dr. Chad Rodgers and Senator Sturch to Commission
  • Resignation of Dr. Karama Neal from Commission (Congratulations to Dr. Neal on her new role with the USDA!)
  • Post-COVID Work Arrangement for Access to Justice Staff
  • ABA Day Congressional Delegation Meetings
  • Meeting Re Possible Collaboration with Judicial Council on Forms
  • Non-LSC Legal Organization Developments
  • Update on Commission Budget for 2021-2022
  • Foundation Audit Progress
  • IOLTA
  • Future Meetings, In-Person vs. Virtual (open discussion)

IOLTA Program Manager’s Report–Ms. Walker (for information)

Project Reports–Ms. Park

  • AR Free Legal Answers Clinics
  • Pro Bono-Focused CLEs

Commission Action Items–Mr. Mayfield

Foundation Action Items–Mr. McKinney

12:30 p.m.–Adjourn