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Holder Picks New ATJ Chief
Attorney General Eric Holder announced yesterday that Lisa Foster, a seasoned legal expert, will serve as the Director of the Access to Justice Initiative (ATJ). The ATJ, founded in 2010 by Holder, aims to address the access-to-justice crisis in the criminal and civil justice system by working with state, local and tribal justice system stakeholders to increase access to counsel and legal assistance.
Foster, a staunch defender of due process and a champion of the rights of all Americans, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Prior to joining the department, she served as a California Superior Court Judge in San Diego, presiding over criminal, civil and family law departments.
“Lisa is a passionate advocate for equal justice under law,” said Holder. “Throughout her impressive career, she has consistently demonstrated superior judgment, impeccable integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the high ideals that the Access to Justice Initiative is charged with protecting.”
Foster’s appointment comes as the ATJ continues its groundbreaking work, including supporting the right to counsel in state and local courts, educating the defender community, and strengthening the juvenile justice system. She will lead the initiative in its efforts to enhance federal programs through civil legal aid and improve the systems that serve people who are unable to afford lawyers.
The ATJ has made significant strides in recent months, including filing a statement of interest with the Supreme Court of the State of New York in the class action litigation, Hurrell-Harring v. State of New York. The plaintiffs allege that indigent criminal defendants have been constructively denied the right to counsel due to systemic failures in four New York counties.
Foster will also oversee the development of the Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable Toolkit, an online resource that has been created through collaboration with the White House Domestic Policy Council and 18 federal agencies. The toolkit aims to examine current programs and practices in order to create better outcomes.
“The Access to Justice Initiative does critical work to increase access to counsel and legal assistance for all,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Stuart F. Delery. “We are privileged to have a person like Lisa, who has dedicated her career to supporting a justice system that is fair and accessible to everyone, guiding this important effort.”
Foster received a B.A. in American Studies from Stanford University and J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School. She will lead the ATJ in its mission to build a more effective and just justice system for all Americans.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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