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ACCESS TO JUSTICE REPORT APRIL 2024
To: LSBA Board of Governors
From: Monte Mollere, ATJ Director
This memo highlights information on recent programs and initiatives of the LSBA’s Access
to Justice Commission, Committee and Department that may be of interest or relevance to
the LSBA Board of Governors. Should you have any questions or require additional
background on any item, I am happy to provide that information.

1. Louisiana Access to Justice Commission Hosts the Second Annual ATJ Conclave
On April 12, the Louisiana State Bar Association's Access to Justice Commission hosted
the Second Access to Justice Conclave in New Orleans to continue efforts to increase
community coordination and education and identify projects that will increase access to
legal help, information, and resources. Consultant Tara Veazey facilitated and led the
event. This year’s focus was to recognize and explore the important role community
partners play in connecting low- and moderate-income litigants to legal assistance.
National experts shared information about interdisciplinary court and community navigator
programs taking shape across the country that support court efficiency and impact the
effectiveness of community organizations and their ability to refer patrons to the most
appropriate services. A report on results and priority activities of the Conclave is being
drafted and will be available at the next Board meeting.

2. Louisiana Supreme Court honors volunteers at the LSBA Pro Bono Publico &
Children’s Law Awards Ceremony on May 21, 2024.
The 2024 Louisiana State Bar Association Pro Bono Publico & Children’s Law Awards
Ceremony and reception will be held May 21 at the Louisiana Supreme Court from 5:00 –
7:00 PM. Louisiana’s Supreme Court Justice’s will preside over the ceremony in an
official court session to recognize 22 attorneys and four law students who have gone above
and beyond their professional duties to ensure access to legal services for low-income
Louisianians. If you would like to attend the event, please RSVP by May 6th to Bridget
Berins at Bridget.Berins@lsba.org or by telephone at (504) 619-0145.

3. Louisiana ATJ Commission and LSBA LSPD Committee Invited to Speak to Judges
on “Meaningful Access to Courts”
The Louisiana State Bar Association’s Legal Services for Persons with Disabilities
Committee, and Accessibility Committee were delighted to provide a CLE presentation at
the 2024 Spring Judges’ Conference focused on ensuring “Meaningful Access to Courts
for Persons with Disabilities”. Hon. Douglas J. Saloom from the City Court of Lafayette,
Caitlin Morgenstern from the Louisiana Supreme Court, Hope LaFleur, Judicial
Administrator at the 9th Judicial District Court, and Melanie Bray from Disability Rights
Louisiana engaged the judges with the presentation on April 4, 2024. The session opened
with an overview of the governing laws, followed by common issues encountered by
persons with disabilities in the court setting, and explored best practices and methods courts
can implement to secure meaningful access for persons with disabilities.