How could one lawyer help deliver justice for 4,800 people? According to research conducted by the Nevada Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission, which is funded and supported by the State Bar of Nevada, there is only one Nevada legal aid lawyer for every 4,800 people living below the poverty line. When you compare that to 12 lawyers for every 4,800 people living above that threshold, the disparity becomes obvious.
In order to fulfill its mission to protect the public interest, the State Bar of Nevada has supported research for the past 12 years to better understand the needs of low to moderate-income populations and improve the delivery of legal aid services to those populations. The Commission engaged key partners to leverage the research data in order to seek additional funding and support the delivery of legal aid services. For example, they cooperated with Nevada Coalition of Legal Service Providers to ensure their research was included in the Coalition’s 2019 Legislative Priorities. This cooperation led to legislative wins, including easing up on quick-eviction rules and establishing reasonable late fees to protect tenants, and the creation of a universal payday lending database, which protects consumers from getting multiple payday loans from multiple lenders.
[When my significant other assaulted our children] I needed someone who was knowledgeable, strong, detail-oriented; who would hear my voice, my concerns and be willing to help me, not just tell me what I needed. Legal Aid heard my plea and saw that I needed help! I got my concerns heard and children protected. Things that would have been a barrier and an obstacle for me, they did with ease. I am so happy that through that stressful and anxious time Legal Aid was there for me and my family.
– Maria, Legal Aid client
Did you know?
There is only one Nevada legal aid lawyer for every 4,800 people living below the poverty line.
Participating Organizations
Nevada Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission
