NLADA Messenger
Announcing 2019 Kutak-Dodds
Prize Winners

This year's Kutak-Dodds Prizes winners are Frank P. Cervone , executive director at the Support Center for Child Advocates (CHILD ADVOCATES) in Philadelphia and John Schoeffel , staff attorney with the Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice in New York City.

Mr. Cervone and Mr. Schoeffel will be recognized for their achievements at our annual Exemplar Awards Dinner on June 12.

The Kutak-Dodds Prizes , j ointly sponsored by the Robert J. Kutak Foundation and NLADA, honor the accomplishments of civil legal aid attorneys, public defenders, assigned counsel or public interest lawyers who – through the practice of law – are contributing significantly to the enhancement of human dignity and quality of life for those individuals who are unable to afford legal representation.
Frank P. Cervone
Mr. Cervone has been dedicated to serving abused and neglected children in Philadelphia and across the nation for nearly 30 years. He shares his commitment and sensitivity to the unique needs of court-involved children with the thousands of lawyers whom are trained by CHILD ADVOCATES to provide a deserved pro bono representation. Learn more about Frank and his work here . 
John Schoeffel
Mr. Schoeffel led a decade-long statewide effort to reform New York’s restrictive criminal discovery rules. Known as the Blindfold Law , this law allowed prosecutors to withhold critical evidence from the defense until the eve of trial, leaving the accused “blindfolded” and unable to prepare. This year, New York’s Legislature enacted “open file” discovery. Learn more about John and his work  here .
Achieving the Challenge Vidcast Series
In the past year, NLADA interviewed several chief defenders from the Safety and Justice Challenge (SJC) Network  to learn about their work. These vidcasts not only display their deep knowledge of their craft, but also the passion and dedication they have towards reducing mass incarceration.

This month, we are releasing the second vidcast of our series. This interview with Ramon Quintana (left), LA County PDO and Sean McNulty, Toledo Legal Aid Society provides another glimpse into the the work and the significance of collaboration among SJC stakeholders. 

Click here to view the entire video. Stay tuned for the next vidcast of the series.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Congressional Update

In the beginning of May, U.S. Representatives John Sarbanes (D-MD3) and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA11) introduced a  House companion   to the  What You Can Do For Your Country Act. This bill aims to rectify numerous problems in the current Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program that have resulted in extreme high rates of denial for individuals who have applied to have their federal student loans forgiven under the program.

The What You Can Do For Your Country Act, endorsed by NLADA and numerous other organizations representing public service professions, would enable borrowers with certain ineligible loans to consolidate their debt into eligible loans and it would count all payments - including those already made - towards the required amount.

Learn more about this legislation and PSLF program here.
2019 Equal Justice Conference Highlights
This year's Equal Justice Conference (EJC) was a great success! Approximately 1,100 attendees had the opportunity to expand their leadership abilities, network with colleagues and visit with old friends.

Along with informative sessions and plenaries, attendees also were able to explore many of Louisville's great attractions including an inspiring visit to the Muhammad Ali Center. We look forward to seeing you in Atlanta, Georgia for next year's EJC!

NLADA's Art Auction for Justice
Happening Tomorrow Evening

You do not want to miss out on NLADA's first art auction, taking place during the Exemplar Awards Dinner tomorrow evening, Wednesday, June 12 . Explore the 18 widely different and evocative pieces here .

Not able to attend tomorrow evening in Washington, DC, but interested in bidding for one of the moving art pieces? Do not worry. You can easily bid remotely for the piece you are interested in acquiring. For questions or additional information, please contact Kate at k.denman@nlada.org.
Member Corner

SPECIAL PROMOTION FOR NEW CLIENT MEMBERSHIPS

Did you know NLADA has a special membership category just for clients?  

Clients engaged in the world of equal justice can take advantage of all of NLADA’s standard member benefits, along with our specially-curated content and engagement opportunities just for clients, including:

  • Curated news and information.
  • Access to the free Client Member listserv (OPEN NOW!).
  • Opportunity to engage through the NLADA Client Council and weigh in on important issues facing clients across the country.
  • Tailored programming at NLADA Annual Conference.
  • Steep registration discounts.

For a limited time only, sign up three client memberships and receive the third membership free. Three for the price of two memberships.