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ACCESS TO JUSTICE REPORT APRIL, 2023
To: LSBA Board of Governors
From: Monte Mollere, ATJ Director
This memo highlights information on the 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. Only activities occurring since the last board meeting are
included in this report. 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 and Loyola College of Law Hosts ATJ
Conclave
On March 3rd, the Louisiana State Bar Association's Access to Justice Commission
(LSBA) and Loyola University New Orleans College of Law (Loyola) hosted the Access
to Justice (ATJ) Conclave at the Supreme Court to bring access to justice leaders together
to engage partners, to increase coordination and community education, and identify priority
projects for increasing access to justice. LSBA President Stephen Dwyer and Dean
Madeleine Landrieu, who proposed the conclave, kicked the event off with welcome
remarks alongside former Louisiana Justice For All Consultant Tara Veazey, who
facilitated and led the event. The full-day, interactive event covered a wide array of access
to justice topics, programs, and issues by representatives from the judiciary and courts, law
schools, non-profit legal service and pro bono providers, funders, community-based
organizations, members of the ATJ Commission, and more. The attendees discussed issue
in small groups and voted on priority activities that include: understanding community
needs, expanding community education trainings, developing partnership between United
Way and legal aid, and creating a marketing plan to educate the public about legal issues,
resources, and ways to get help. Upon review, the ATJ Commission will consider each
priority as part of its evolving strategic plan, including identifying oversight and
accountability (e.g., committee responsible), champions/staff/partners, and metrics for
measuring progress.
2. Louisiana Criminal Justice Committee partners with Louisiana Mental Health
Association to host several training at upcoming conference
This year, the Criminal Justice Committee is collaborating with the Louisiana Mental
Health Association (LAMHA) at its annual conference to host three sessions on the
intersection of criminal justice and mental health. LAMHA anticipates over 350