May 2020

NLADA's COVID-19 Resource Center As physical distancing has become our new normal during these unprecedented times, NLADA is continuin g our efforts to support you and your work. We are documenting new information that arises on how to navigate the legal sphere with the spread of coronavirus. Our COVID-19 Updates and Resources page houses the latest practice resources as well as up-to-date knowledge on policy items in various fields of law. Click here for a video on how to navigate the webpage.

Emergency Funds Available for Defender Organizations' COVID-19 Response Through the CARES Act , Congress directed approximately $850 million in emergency funds to assist state and local justice system organizations in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds will be distributed on a first come, first served basis via the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) Program. NLADA has prepared two information sheets to aid in acquiring these funds. The first sheet offers guidance on pursuing the emergency funds made available through the CARES act. Click here to access the CARES Act information sheet. The second sheet offers guidance on how to pursue the Byrne JAG funds. Click here to access the Byrne JAG information sheet. If you apply or have any questions about the above, please contact Marea Beeman at [email protected].

Supplemental Funding Awards Made Available by LSC The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) has made $50 million in funding awards available to its grantees following the inclusion of an appropriation of that amount in the (CARES) Act. Its COVID-19 response grant, accounts for more than $47 million of this funding, with the remaining $2.4 million being provided to help grantees expand teleworking capacity.   LSC is now seeking a further $50 million in supplemental funding, and NLADA has written a letter   to members of Congress in support of this request. The letter is also signed by the current and previous chairs of NLADA's Corporate Advisory Committee, and follows a similar letter sent prior to the passage of the CARES Act.

How Debt Collectors Are Transforming the Business of State Courts This month, our partners at Pew Charitable Trusts released a new report: "How Debt Collectors Are Transforming the Business of State Courts.” Debt collection cases have skyrocketed in state and local courts over the last decade. As this pandemic is increasing financial distress for families and small businesses, the role of the court in debt collection may continue to expand. The report documents recent promising actions by state governments, and what they can tell us about ways to improve our civil court system for all stakeholders. Click here to access the report.

NLADA Conferences Update As many of you may know, the Holistic Defense & Leadership Conferences   in early June and the Litigation & Advocacy Leaders Conference i n July have been postponed. The 2020 Annual Conference and the 2020 Farmworker Law Conference are currently scheduled as planned. We are working on plans to host the postponed in person conferences virtually. NLADA will continue to communicate updates and adjustments that arise. Keep an eye out for our emails or follow us on our social media channels for up to the minutes updates.

Upcoming COVID-19 Webinars Increase your expertise with these upcoming webinars from our partners: May 20 @ 2:00 p.m. - Harnessing Technology to Advance Access to Record Clearing May 21 @ 2:00 p.m. - Reverse Mortgage Foreclosure Issues in the Covid-19 Pandemic May 27 @ 2:00 p.m. - Advancing Record Clearing Policies in a Challenging Political Environment Click here to see more COVID-19 related webinars.

Deadline Upcoming: 2020 Kutak-Dodds Prizes  NLADA grants the  Kutak-Dodds  Prizes annually at the  Exemplar Awards Dinner  to honor the accomplishments of one civil legal aid attorney and one public defender who, through the practice of law, are significantly contributing to the enhancement of human dignity and quality of life of those individuals who are unable to afford legal representation.  Each prize carries a cash award of $10,000.  Do you know someone that fits this criteria? Nominate them today!  Click here to nominate . Nominations are due June 8.

Member Corner Looking for the perfect gift for the recent Law School Graduate in your life? Give a gift of membership with NLADA to graduates interested in the civil legal aid or defender communities. Through renowned trainings and conferences, up-to-date information services, publications, technical assistance and leading advocacy initiatives to increase funding and support the field, NLADA gives you the tools you need to conduct your work effectively and continue making equal justice a reality. Click here to give your Gift of Membership.

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