Page 107 - BOGmanual_2024October

ACCESS TO JUSTICE REPORT OCTOBER 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.

The Pro Bono Subcommittee will launch a pro bono campaign for the year 2025, called 25
in 25 with the purpose of encouraging all attorneys to provide 25 hours of pro bono in the
calendar year 2025. As part of this campaign, the subcommittee will pen articles for LSBA
publications, highlight various pro bono heroes on the LSBA’s social media, and present at
various CLE events. For more information, please contact Rachael Mills,
rachael.mills@lsba.org.

The LSBA’s Legal Services for Persons with Disabilities (LSPD) Committee and ATJ
Commission’s Accessibility Committee are working to fulfill the request from the Louisiana
Legislature as set out in House Concurrent Resolution 38, which asks the Bar Association to
raise awareness around the various options that individuals have, including interdiction,
tutorship, supportive decision making (SDM), and other alternatives. The LSDP Committee
created and is distributing a Reference Card for judges and attorneys, titled “Interdiction
Procedure and Less Restrictive Alternatives.” Additionally, both Committees worked on the
latest Louisiana Bar Journal, which will focus on providing legal services to persons who
have a disability and/or barrier to accessing justice. The journal will include an article on
SDM and link to the Reference Card. In addition, the LSPD Committee has helped coordinate
various CLEs on SDM:
● “Supported Decision Making & Changes to Interdiction Law” at Judicial
College’s Spring Conference
● “Who’s My Client?” CLE at LSPD Training Series
● “Interdiction Procedure and Less Restrictive Alternatives” at the Louisiana Justice
Community Conference
The LSPD Committee is also planning its annual end-of-year CLE that will include Supported
Decision Making as a topic. For more information, please contact Rebecca Collins,
rebecca.collins@lsba.org.

The Access to Justice Commission’s Community Outreach and Education Committee is
hosting a webinar for court personnel and clerk of court staff on Friday, December 6 at 11AM.
This webinar, “Navigating Civil Legal Resources: A Guide for Louisiana Courts,” will
focus on the various resources available to assist court staff who often encounter litigants,