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ACCESS TO JUSTICE REPORT JANUARY 2025

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 has launched the 25 in 2025 pro bono campaign. The purpose
of the campaign is to encourage all attorneys to provide 25 hours of pro bono in the calendar
year 2025. For more information, please refer to the latest edition of the LA Bar Journal’s and
the article titled, “‘25 in 2025” A Call to Serve.” Any questions can be directed to Rachael
Mills, rachael.mills@lsba.org.

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Louisiana State Bar Association Pro Bono Publico
and Children’s Law Awards. Submit your nomination online by February 13, 2025, at Pro
Bono Nominations using an LSBA member login or a guest account. For assistance accessing
the nomination page or selecting the appropriate category, contact Access to Justice
Department Coordinator Bridget Berins at Bridget.Berins@lsba.org or (504) 619-0145.

The Legal Services for Persons with Disabilities Committee held its annual Disability Law
Training Series in December. The training was attended by a diverse set of attorneys from
nonprofits, private firms, legal aid, and solo practice to learn about issues affecting persons
with disabilities and how best to represent them. This training also included an hour on
interdiction and alternatives, complying with House Resolution 38.

Lawyers in Libraries held its annual week of service for the 11th consecutive year. From
October 21-26, 2024, LSBA members and libraries across Louisiana came together to provide
free, limited services to the public in-person and virtually. Events were held in conjunction
with the ABA’s Celebrate Pro Bono Week and also during Pro Bono Week in Louisiana (see
the Governor's Proclamation). In total, 152 lawyers volunteered for over 365 hours of pro
bono service in statewide events. For the second time, the Lawyers in Libraries program
instituted an On-Call List to attempt to resolve cancellations. On-Call Volunteers successfully
rescheduled multiple events, helping ensure dozens of patrons were able to speak to attorneys
about their legal issues.