Vol. 34, No. 3, 20. Aba Report.

• Author: by Joseph B. Bluemel Wyoming State Delegate to the American Bar Association

Wyoming Bar Journal

2011.

Vol. 34, No. 3, 20.

Aba Report

Wyoming Bar JournalIssue: June, 2011Aba Reportby Joseph B. Bluemel Wyoming State Delegate to the American Bar AssociationThe American Bar Association, in co-I ordination with 43 state bar associa-_JL tions, brought distinguished lawyers from around the country to Washington, D.C., April 12-14, to discuss with policymakers issues critically important to the legal profession and the nation. Sleeter Dover, Wyoming State Bar Executive Director, and I were honored to represent Wyoming. This coordinated event, ABA Day, is held annually. The issues deemed critical and supported by the ABA this year were continued funding for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), prompt filling of federal judicial vacancies, and federal assistance for collection of state court debts and unpaid restitution for crime victims.

During the last year, as part of the economic recession, there has been a 17% increase of the number of people eligible for LSC assistance. That legal assistance is generally for subsistence and safety related issues. It cannot be for any legal service that can generate a fee. A family of four (4) with income of $27,938.00 or less qualifies for those services. Although federal funding for Legal Services plays a critical role in providing the fundamental right of access to justice, last year, 12% of all cases closed by LSC providers nationwide were handled pro bono by lawyers outside the Legal Services structure. While requesting the Wyoming Congressional Delegation continue to support funding the Legal Services Corporation at current levels, Sleeter and I reported the progress Wyoming lawyers, the Wyoming

State Bar, the Wyoming Legislature and the Wyoming Supreme Court have made in implementing the Access to Justice program funded by the additional filing fee and surcharge assessed to persons convicted of crimes. These programs which assist the indigent with legal assistance in accessing justice often avert more costly alternatives that arise if issues are not resolved at the simplest levels.

Nationwide many states and their courts are experiencing significant financial difficulties. Some are so great there are furloughs still being imposed and the entire state court system does not operate five days a week. Civil trials in those states are not being heard for...