Page 97 - 2020OctoberBOG

Libraries” virtually to provide access to individuals who may be in even more need of legal
assistance due to the current health crisis. During this week, Louisiana attorneys will provide
free, 15-20 minute "Ask-a-Lawyer" consultations by phone. Additionally, three webinars on
timely legal issues will be broadcast on social media throughout the week. Partnership with
Louisiana libraries and the Law Library of Louisiana continues throughout the year through
the LEAP program, which includes specialized resources for the public and training for library
staff across the state. For more information, visit www.LouisianaLawyersinLibraries.org.

LA.FreeLegalAnswers.org sees increase in number of submitted questions.
Rachael Mills, Staff Counsel
In response to COVID-19, the income guidelines for LA.FreeLegalAnswers.org were
expanded from 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and fewer than $10,000 in assets to
400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and up to $500,000 in assets. This increase allows
attorneys to assist more people who may be suddenly in need due to COVID-19 through a safe,
online system. These guidelines are similar to the qualifications required for use of the Modest
Means Directory and are in line with many other Free Legal Answers websites. From January
1st, 2020 to August 10th, 2020, 180 new questions were submitted, a 42% increase over 2019.
The site now tracks questions that reference the pandemic or the CARES Act, tagging 24
questions as COVID-19-related since February. However, many new questions relate to
repercussions of the pandemic without specifically mentioning it, making the true numbers
difficult to track. For example, since the beginning of this year, there has been a 165% increase
in questions classified as housing or property owned; unsurprisingly, most of these questions
have been about rent and housing leases. Additionally, there has been an increase in family
law questions, though not as dramatic a shift, as this area always makes up around 50% of the
th
questions on the site. As of October 9 , the site has received three questions pertaining to
Hurricane Laura. The updated disaster volunteer training manual is on the site as a training
resource for volunteers in anticipation of additional questions related to Hurricane Laura.

LSBA Standing Committees

Criminal Justice Committee focuses efforts on funding and mental health.
Jean Faria and Graham Bosworth, Co-Chairs
The committee met September to welcome new members and prioritize projects for the 2020-
2021 Bar year. During the meeting, five project proposals were presented. Following the
meeting, the Committee completed a survey to prioritize the projects discussed. Funding the
criminal justice system ranked first, followed by mental health issues relevant to the criminal
justice system. Members volunteered to form working groups to take on these initiatives.

Legal Services for Persons with Disabilities Committee to host training in conjunction
with Louisiana Justice Community Conference.
Elena Perez and Dayna Ryan, Co-chairs
The committee met on September 4, 2020 and will meet again on November 13, 2020. At the
last meeting, the Committee discussed operations and issues in light of COVID-19 and
Hurricane Laura, including notarization issues and COVID testing inside facilities. The
Committee worked on an article that was in the August/September edition of the LSBA’s Bar
Journal. The Committee also discussed additional ways it could provide training and outreach
to attorneys. This Committee will be hosting a session at the Justice Community Conference
on the Americans with Disabilities Act Thirty Year Anniversary on December 2, 2020 and a