Welcome from the CAC Chair
April 2023
Hello, and thank you for your continued support of NLADA’s Corporate Advisory Committee. The first quarter of 2023 has been busy, especially related to the key policy work in which the NLADA team is engaged, as you will see below.
Thank you all for renewing your commitment for the current year and supporting all of this incredibly important work. If you haven’t already signed the LSC funding letter, you can find more information on how to join this effort below. This is one of the more important initiatives the CAC annually supports where you can make a big difference.
Thank you,
Jim Chosy
CAC Chair
Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel, U.S. Bancorp
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Record Funding Increase for
Legal Services Corporation
Last year, leaders from NLADA’s Corporate Advisory Committee coordinated a letter signed by general counsel from more than 160 companies asking Congress to increase funding for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC).
The support of corporate leaders played a central role in securing a 15% increase in LSC’s budget when Congress completed the appropriations process in December, meaning tens of thousands more low-income Americans will have access to legal services this year. A similar letter is currently open for signature, which can be viewed here. The voice of the business community is even more important this year as Congress is considering cuts to federal spending.
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Senators Booker and Durbin Introduce
Legislation Supported by CAC Leaders
In March, Senators Cory Booker and Richard Durbin introduced the Quality Defense Act, a companion to the EQUAL Defense Act in the House that 41 general counsels supported in a letter last year.
This legislation would create a $250 million annual grant program to help state and local public defender offices recruit and retain sufficient numbers of qualified advocates. If passed, these bills would meaningfully enhance access to quality counsel across America. Their introduction alone is a historic step forward because it demonstrates that for the first time, leaders in Congress recognize the urgency of the need to invest in public defense.
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NLADA Marks Gideon's Anniversary
with Attorney General and CAC
On March 16, NLADA marked the 60th anniversary of the decision in Gideon v. Wainwright with a conversation and reception at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The event featured addresses from U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, each of whom discussed the importance of public defenders to the rule of law and to the administration of justice in America.
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Two-panel discussions, which included a representative from Corporate Advisory Committee member U.S. Bancorp, expanded on the state of public defense today and explored the ways that partner stakeholders including the business community can work together to advance equal justice. The full program is available to watch online here.
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Exemplar Awards Gala, June 8
Please join us the evening of Thursday, June 8 in Washington, D.C. for the annual Exemplar Awards Gala where we will honor Margaret Egan, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, and Nadine Jones, Senior Vice President and General Counsel with Kuehne+Nagel Inc. NLADA also will honor the Beacon of Justice awardees, law firms addressing issues related to LGBTQ+ rights and/or gender-based equity issues that intersect with racial equity through their pro bono works, and the Kutak-Dodds Prize winners, recognizing advocates in the field engaged in impactful and inspiring work.
Packages of benefits are available to sponsors at varying levels of engagement. Please click to access a pledge form and outline of sponsor opportunities, including special recognition for Co-hosts and Committee Members. Contact Aileen Moffatt at [email protected] or 202-452-0620 ext. 223 for additional information.
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There are many other NLADA programs and initiatives we wish to share with you, and invite you to explore them on our website. A full array of CAC membership benefits is available here.
Please contact Aileen Moffatt, NLADA Vice President of External Relations, at [email protected] or 202-452-0620 ext. 223, if you have questions about CAC activities or want to expedite your membership.
We look forward to all we will accomplish together.
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