James Pushes for Legal Aid Corp. Funding Amid Bipartisan Support

New York – In a bold move aimed at protecting the rights of the most vulnerable citizens, Attorney General Letitia James has joined forces with a bipartisan coalition, leading a call for the continued funding of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). This critical body, which has been in existence for over 50 years, stands as a lifeline for countless individuals across every state and territory.

In a letter addressed to leaders in Congress, James and her fellow attorneys general from 39 states emphasized the necessity of maintaining LSC funding. Such support is crucial for organizations that assist those in need with civil cases ranging from eviction disputes to domestic violence survivors. The LSC has been instrumental in ensuring that even the most rural or financially struggling Americans have access to legal representation.

“Funding for the Legal Services Corporation helps ensure that everyone – no matter where they live or how much money they make – has access to justice,” AG James stated, echoing the coalition’s collective sentiment. “LSC supports organizations that protect the rights of the most vulnerable in our communities.”

The LSC operates a vast network of 130 independent legal aid organizations with over 900 offices across 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. In 2023 alone, their efforts assisted more than 100,000 New Yorkers, including veterans and domestic violence survivors.

Without the LSC’s investment, Attorney General James warns, many rural families would be left without legal assistance in the face of life-altering legal challenges. The coalition’s letter also highlights that a significant 95 percent of LSC funding goes directly to legal aid organizations providing services to Americans.

The call for continued support for the LSC has garnered widespread backing, with attorneys general from across the nation joining forces in this effort. This bipartisan show of unity underscores the importance of equal access to justice for all citizens.