Access to Justice Commission Meeting

March 4th, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. via Zoom

Agenda & Materials

Welcome and Introductions – Mr. Mayfield
- Rachael Borné appointed to the Commission
  - Rachael is the Director of Career Services at Our House. She was appointed by the Arkansas Bar Association to fill the role of a non-attorney advocate for low-income Arkansans. Rachael comes to the Commission with extensive experience helping low-income folks navigate challenges in the justice system.
- Abby Brenneman hired as Program Coordinator
  - Abby was hired in December. She is handling the AR Free Legal Answers Program, pro-bono-focused CLEs, and policy work. Before joining our staff, Abby worked as a legal aid attorney in Hot Springs.
Approval of Minutes–Mr. Mayfield
- October 8th Meeting Minutes
Election of Officers–Mr. Mayfield
- Chair
  - Mark Mayfield is willing to serve another term.
- Vice-Chair
  - Judge Kim Bridgforth is willing to serve another term.
- Secretary
  - Judge Jones is willing to serve another term.
Executive Director’s Report–Mr. Bates-Rogers (for information)
- Campaign for Legal Aid
  - Preliminary Results of the 2021 Campaign for Legal Aid
    - Overall donations were down from 2020
      - Approximately $72,000 compared to $80,000 in 2020
    - Number of donors was up slightly
      - 306 compared to 291 in 2020.
    - Our current monthly donor count is 38.
  - We’ve implemented a postage paid return envelope permit to make it easier to donate. This is one of the recommendations of our fundraising consultant who helped us transition to a new donor database last year.
- New Monthly Donor Branding
  - Old name was the 6.1 Society, a reference to Arkansas Rule of Professional Conduct 6.1, which encourages pro bono service.
  - Feedback has been that few people, even lawyers, understand the reference.
  - New monthly donor group name is Justice for All Partners.
  - Sherry J. Williamson donated a new logo to help brand the Justice for All Partners program. You can see more of Sherry’s art here.
    - Old Logo
    - New Logo
- Pulaski County District Courts and Some Circuit Court Divisions to Implement Text-Reminders
  - Article about the implementation.
  - This is a best practice recommended by the Justice Index.
  - Some other district courts in the state are also adopting this service.
  - One clerk reported that the cost to her district court was $2,000 for one year.
  - Here’s what some district court clerks have told us would help their court embrace technology in general.
  - AOC is exploring integrating an opt-in text reminder service as a part of rebuilding the court’s internal database.
  - The Fines and Fees Justice Center indicates that text nudges are effective in significantly reducing failures to appear.
  - For discussion: What, if anything, should the Commission be doing to support the implementation of text-reminder services in Arkansas Courts?
Project Reports–Ms. Brenneman (for information)
- AR Free Legal Answers Clinics
  - Question Report
  - Client Survey Report
  - Upcoming Clinics
- Pro Bono-Focused CLEs
  - March 18 12-1 Record Sealing Updates and Nuances Presented by Ryan Hill (CALS) and Abby Brenneman
  - April 1 12-1 Wrongful Car Repossessions Presented by Cory Mcgaha (potentially also with Legal Aid)
  - May 6 12-1 Defending Against Guardianship Petitions Presented by Thomas Nichols (DRA)
  - July 15 12-1 Taking Your First Pro Bono Case Presented by Abby Brenneman
  - August 19: Power Act
  - September 2 Education Law Presented by Jay Coleman
- Development of forms to initiate and respond to an eviction.
  - This is a best practice recommended by the Justice Index.
  - Research is underway now, with plans to present to the Policy Committee between now and the June meeting.
  - We intend to the present forms to Judicial Council for their consideration, if approved by the Commission.
  - Gwen Rucker, from the Foundation Board, is assisting in research and form development.
Project and Partner Organization Updates (for information)
- Legal Aid of Arkansas – Mr. Richardson
- Center for Arkansas Legal Services – Ms. Carter
Next Meeting Date: June 3rd, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- This is our joint board retreat.
- Location: TBA
- Please help us plan for the June Joint Board Retreat by taking this survey.
Meeting Adjourned