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to use plain language to discuss their problems and navigate them to appropriate
legal aid, information, and forms.
o They are also collaborating on the JFA project implementation in creating legal
help access points in civil legal deserts.
• Amanda discussed a project with Tulane that uses a legal screening tool in health clinics
that can be expanded for further application.

Pro Bono Programs: C.C. Kahr, the New Orleans Pro Bono Project

• The pandemic and climate disruptions have taken a toll on volunteerism as people’s
emotional and financial resources are taxed and many people reevaluate their work/life
balance.
• The New Orleans Pro Bono Project is working hard to “meet volunteers where they are,”
by providing hands on mentorship, training, and support.
• Flexibility is key. Volunteers are matched with perfect assignments, with honest
assessments about time commitments.
• They are experimenting with co-counsel arrangements, providing paralegal support, and
offering workshop models and other “light touch” opportunities.
Limited Scope Representation “Unbundling” Options: Virginia Listach, Southern University Law
Center

• The ATJ Commission has a Modest Means Committee that works on cost effective legal
representation options for people between 200 and 400% of FPL. ATJ created a Modest
Means Directory – offering services at a reduced cost or unbundled to people who are at
these levels. A lot of people don’t know that these services are available to them.
• The program also works to educate attorneys about modest means options such as limited
scope representation, sliding scale fee schedule and other options via online videos.
• They are also educating law students on the need for cost-effective legal options to the
more than 1.3 million people in Louisiana who fall between 200-400% of the FPL.

Discussion: Opportunities for Building on This and Other Relevant Work

Happening Now

Participants asked question and offered information about other existing activities in Louisiana
that could be springboards for further improving access to justice in the state.

Charmaine Caccioppi (United Way of Southeast Louisiana) discussed United Way Prosperity
Centers as a potential model to build upon. Prosperity Centers offer holistic assessments and
services for helping families reach their financial goals, including mentorship and coaching.
Charmaine suggested thinking about how we can incorporate identifying and addressing legal
needs into this model.

2023 ACCESS TO JUSTICE CONCLAVE NOTES 4