In the U.S., legal aid service organizations are taking on greater importance in society than ever before. With one-third of individuals living at or below federal poverty income levels, many individuals are able to qualify for the free legal help offered by legal aid providers. Following the financial crisis of 2007, thousands of Americans sought the free legal help in dealing with foreclosures and bankruptcy filings. The legal aid movement is not new in America, and it has a lengthy and established tradition.
The Beginning of the Legal Aid Movement
The beginnings of the legal aid movement in the United States has its roots in workers’ rights. In the 1800s, "poor man's laws" set the stage for the legal aid movement in Europe. These laws enabled poor individuals to enjoy greater access to the legal justice system through the waiver of court fees. England's legal system, which was inherited by the U.S., also focused on providing individuals with the right to counsel and a fair trial.
When the Industrial Revolution began in the U.S., there came to be a greater emphasis on the need for workers' compensation benefits. In the early 1900s, workers did not have any protections under the law. They did not have a right to work within a safe workplace environment or to be warned of dangerous conditions. The first legal aid organizations were founded to provide free legal counsel to these workers, often immigrants unable to pay costly fees yet just as deserving of fair representation.
Current State of Legal Aid in the U.S.
In the mid-1950s, legal aid organizations came into greater prominence with the Civil Rights Movement. African Americans and other minorities were able to receive effective representation through organizations that provided free legal assistance, such as the NAACP and other organizations. The cultural revolution drove a great demand for lawyers committed to equality of all people and representation of the rights of low-income individuals.
Today, several legal aid organizations exist in the United States. Organizations like The Legal Aid Society, Legal Services Corporation, the NAACP, and numerous other pro bono organizations exist to provide representation for low-income individuals or individuals otherwise in need of legal representation. The Legal Aid Society provides representation in civil, criminal, and juvenile rights matters. Over 1,400 attorneys currently work for the Legal Aid Society and resolve over 295,000 legal issues every year.
Attracting the Best and Brightest Lawyers
The legal aid movement has also been exemplified by the movement of law schools toward curriculums aimed at public interest affairs and community service. Numerous law schools now offer law students a way to gain experience in public interest matters and assisting low-income individuals. Law schools like the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor offer students the chance to participate in the Innocence Project, which seeks to vindicate the rights of those who have been wrongfully convicted and imprisoned.
Increasing Commitment to Public Service
The legal aid movement continues to gain momentum in the U.S. every year. There are thousands of law students who are now committed to social justice and the public interest. Gaining a position at a legal aid organization has grown increasingly competitive in the U.S. Numerous fellowships also provide funding for lawyers to take advantage of pro bono opportunities in their communities.
