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community address those needs, and how these services are increasing the quality of life for those
served. Interns gain hands-on experience with Louisiana’s civil legal aid and legal services
organizations including, but not limited to, interviewing clients, attending court hearings, and
participating in community outreach efforts. Additionally, interns have the opportunity to tour the
Louisiana Supreme Court and interact with appellate and trial court judges, both state and federal,
who have been actively involved in developing and supporting pro bono and access to justice
efforts throughout Louisiana.

In response to COVID-19, the internship was transformed to a virtual internship. This year’s
interns worked with many of the same civil legal aid programs, but in a slightly different capacity.
Normally, interns shadow and observe many of the functions of the civil legal aid programs rather
than complete projects for each organization. This is because each intern is exposed to so many
different programs, events, and people during the 6 weeks that there is not enough time. Since we
had to make this shift online this year, it allowed for the interns to complete more hands-on projects
for numerous organizations because of the fundamental change to the program. In light of
pandemic and the short window for change, this year’s program was a huge a success, as the four
interns learned a substantial amount about Louisiana’s Civil Legal Aid Network while also
accomplishing necessary work for the organizations.

ATJ Distinguished Fellows Program

On January 19, 2017, the ATJ Commission unanimously approved a motion to establish a
committee to explore the potential for creating an Access to Justice Distinguished Pro Bono
Fellows Program for retired judges and lawyers who wished to remain active in some pro bono
capacity during their retirement. To be eligible for consideration as a fellow, the applicant is
required to commit to performing at least 20 hours of work per month under the guidance, direction
and supervision of the host organization; to make a one-year commitment to the host organization;
and to have their own computer. In order to serve as a host organization, the organization must
commit to provide its fellow with meaningful work assignments during that one-year commitment
period; take the necessary action to make sure the fellow is insured under its malpractice coverage;
and provide appropriate office space for the fellow. The program provided fellows for 3 years to
civil legal aid organizations. These efforts may be thwarted by the current health crisis, which has
required most civil legal aid organizations to work remotely through the end of 2020.

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