NLADA Messenger
February 2021
Democrats Take Control of U.S. Congress and
White House 

Since his inauguration, President Joe Biden has issued a slate of executive orders, memoranda and agency directives. Many of these address the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery. The president's actions also notably include ending the "Muslim travel ban"; preserving the DACA program; establishing a process to review federal agencies' efforts to advance and embed principles of racial equity into their work; preventing discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation; including noncitizens in the census count and revoking changes made to the federal rulemaking process. He also extended the CDC eviction moratorium until the end of March and the pause on student loan repayment obligations through September.

Additionally, the Legal Services Corporation has requested $350-500 million in additional funding in any stimulus legislation, a request that has been supported by a letter from the new chairs of the Congressional Access to Legal Aid Caucus, Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).

NLADA will keep members informed as developments occur on Capitol Hill.
Registration for 2021
Equal Justice Conference
Now Open

EJC is a unique opportunity to learn from and connect with fellow civil legal aid and pro bono advocates from across the nation. This year, we are offering 10% off of a full conference registration with our early bird special. Register for the full conference using the promo code EJC10 to get all five afternoons of substantive content, plus all keynotes and social, networking and wellness opportunities for $292.50 (ABA Member and NLADA Member price). You must register for the full conference by Friday, February 26, to receive the discount!
You may also register by mail or fax by
Tools and Resources to
Pursue Racial Justice

February is Black History Month and to honor this, it is important now more than ever to acknowledge that Black Americans continue to be overrepresented in our country’s jails and prisons. We must continue to fight for racial equity and justice, especially with recent events that have taken place, we must fight with even more fervor.

To truly encourage people and organizations to take action, we have provided direction and tools on our racial justice webpage.

Take a stand for racial justice and help individuals and your organization prioritize racial equity in your work. Consider developing a Racial Justice Action Plan, signing our Fight Against Implicit Bias and Racial Inequality (FAIR) Pledge or joining the NLADA Race Equity Advocacy Listserv.
New Client Section Subcommittees

NLADA is continually seeking to unite and support the advocacy efforts of our client section of members. That is why Shawntelle L. Fisher, Chair of the NLADA Client Council has been hard at work with us to develop new ways to connect our communities. We are excited to announce that we are putting together three new subcommittees to help bolster advocacy efforts. These subcommittees will be focused on training, communications and outreach. If you would like to learn more or join one of these subcommittees, please email membership@nlada.org.
Another Great Appellate Defender Training in
the Books
Thank you to everyone who joined us online in January for the 2021 Appellate Defender Training. While COVID-19 may have prevented us from meeting in person, it did not stop our appellate defender heroes from taking the time to improve their skills! A special thank you goes out to all of the trainers that joined us this year and Tyra Patterson, who presented at our opening plenary. If you'd like to review Ms. Patterson's powerful remarks from the opening plenary, log in to the Whova App. Click here to login and access the plenary.
AmeriCorps VISTAs in the Field

This month, we are featuring a quick insight from Dametrick Evans, one of our volunteers serving at the Cook County Public Defender, Illinois.

"This month, I facilitated virtual community dialogue sessions across the neighborhoods and suburbs of Chicago on the justice system by partnering with the Justice Advisory Council of Cook County. We use these dialogue sessions to set policy priorities in our office and local government. Last year, we used the feedback from these sessions to advocate for early release from jail due to COVID risk and for funding for hotel rooms for people to quarantine after being released. Although community engagement looks different for us, understanding the needs of my community through the health crisis will continue to build trust and more holistic services for Cook County."

Learn more about AmeriCorps VISTA here.
Upcoming Lifelong Learning Opportunities


  • June | Holistic Defense and Leadership Conferences (Virtual): Registration information coming soon.

  • July | Litigation and Advocacy Leaders' Conference (Virtual): Registration information coming soon.
NLADA's COVID-19
Resource Center

While this is a new year and a new administration, the COVID-19 pandemic still rages on. Changes to the administration mean new policies and practices regarding COVID-19, evictions, work from home status and more. NLADA will continue to monitor developments and provide the most relevant and up to date information on our COVID-19 Updates and Resources page.
NLADA Exemplar Awards Virtual Gala

Please join us at NLADA’s virtual gala, “Redefining Justice: Celebrating Tenacious Heroes” as we recognize the NLADA community and the tremendous efforts on behalf of access to justice nation-wide.
June 9, 2021
NLADA Exemplar Awards Virtual Gala
 
Sponsorship and special recognition opportunities with unique benefits are available. Stay tuned for more information about the:
  • 2021 Exemplar Awardees
  • Beacon of Justice Award nominations
  • Kutak-Dodds Prizes nominations
  • Third Annual Social Justice Art Auction
Member's Corner
 
Gift an NLADA membership to a law school student, graduate or legal professional in your life. Our membership is a gift that carries throughout their career and keeps them connected to the legal community during this global pandemic.

NLADA gives you the tools you need to conduct your work effectively and continue making equal justice a reality. This is done through renowned trainings and conferences, up-to-date information services, publications, technical assistance and leading advocacy initiatives to increase funding. 

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