NLADA Messenger
February 2020
NLADA Hosts Private Screening of New Film Just Mercy

NLADA and the Black Public Defender Association (BPDA) hosted a private screening of Just Mercy on Thursday, January, 23 in Washington, DC.

The connection between race, poverty and an individual's ability to receive counsel is longstanding and deeply rooted in American history. Just Mercy is a film that expertly illustrates the work NLADA and our members do everyday to promote justice and ensure quality access to counsel.

Following the film, a brief discussion with two exonerees James Clay (pictured above in white) and Aaron Salter (above in beige), shared their stories of injustice and their work to help others in similar situations. Mr. Salter created Innocence Maintained, an organization to support exonerees as they transition back into society.

Learn more about NLADA's racial justice work and how to host a screening here.
Jim Sandman to Step down as President of LSC

Jim Sandman, president of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), announced he is stepping down from his post. Mr. Sandman plans to continue to be a strong advocate for equal justice by pursuing other public endeavors, teaching and helping to improve D.C. public schools.

Under his leadership, LSC became a respected leader in developing new means of providing legal services. The landmark "100% access" idea became a catalyst for developing the Justice for All grant program sponsored by the Public Welfare and Kresge Foundations to help states innovate and improve toward the goals of equal justice. The LSC also gained bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate, tempering many of the ideological battles of the past.

NASAMS Section to Hold Annual Certificate Program in March

The National Alliance of Sentencing Advocates and Mitigation Specialists (NASAMS) will hold their quintessential, Fundamentals of Mitigation Certificate Program in conjunction with the 2020 Life in the Balance Conference on March 3-6   in  Biloxi, MS.

This intensive two-day, all-skill level training will provide participants a chance to refresh their mitigation skills. All participants will work with nationally recognized experts in the field. Additionally, they will get ample sample materials, organizational tools, sample reports and e-tools to assist their own practice. Learn more about the certificate program here .

NLADA is also proud to recognize the new NASAMS Executive Committee. Sarah Forte of the Southern Center for Human Rights will serve as the new Chair and Curt Watkins of the Defender Association of Philadelphia will serve as the Vice Chair. Former Chair Lori James Townes will serve as Immediate Past Chair 

Learn more about this active NLADA section here .
Proposed SSA Rule May Harm the Elderly and
Young Children

A new rule proposed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) would increase the frequency of eligibility review for those receiving disability benefits. SSA uses Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) to determine whether a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiary continues to meet the eligibility requirements. CDRs can be extremely burdensome to beneficiaries and often result in wrongful termination of benefits.

NLADA submitted comments that focus in particular on the need for legal representation in the near future and can be found here. The notice of proposed rulemaking can be found here .
Applications Open for NLADA's
VISTA Program

Become a part of NLADA’s AmeriCorps VISTA program by applying to be a Host Site. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but spots will fill up fast! Learn more and apply today.
Do Not Miss Out on NLADA's
Upcoming Conferences
The  2020 Life in the Balance Conference  will take place  March 3-6  in  Biloxi, MS.


The   2020 Equal Justice Conference  will take place  May 7-9  in  Atlanta, GA.


The 2020 Holistic Defense and Leadership Conferences will take place June 1-5 in Baltimore, MD

The 2020 Litigation and Advocacy Leaders Conference will take place July 11-14 in
Charleson, SC.

 Beacon of Justice Awards 2020
Now accepting applications

NLADA is excited to once again celebrate the extraordinary pro bono work provided by firms across the country through the Beacon of Justice Awards .

The 2020 Beacon of Justice Awards will recognize and honor law firms with pro bono programs serving vulnerable people experiencing the ongo ing humanitarian crisis along the U.S. border. Learn more about eligibility, how to apply, and additional details here.   Applications are due by March 31st. Awardees will be honored at the Scaling Justice: Celebrating Creative Solutions on June 9, 2020 in Washington, DC. Click here for details about the celebration.
Member Corner

Members-only Conference Savings!
 
Sign up for membership   before you register for t he  2020 Life in the Balance Conference, the 2020 Equal Justice Conference or the 2020 Holistic Defense and Leadership Conferences and save   up to $125  on the non-member registration price -  plus  - get all of NLADA's other year-round member benefits.
 
Attending our conferences with your colleagues?  Your best value may be our   Program Memberships , which provide discounts and resources to your entire staff!
 
Questions about  membership ? Contact  membership@nlada.org  today!  Click here to become a member.