22Jul 2023 by Charles E. Price
California to offer free legal aid to undocumented farm workers

California to offer free legal aid to undocumented farm workers

LEGAL
SACRAMENTO - California farm workers in state labor investigations will soon be able to access free legal services to safely report bad-acting employers, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday.In efforts to prevent labor exploitation, a new $4.5 million pilot program will ensure farmworkers can fend for their rights despite their immigration status with free case review services, legal advice and attorney representation.An estimated 50 percent of California's farm workers are undocumented, which leaves the workforce vulnerable to bad acting employers and disproportionately unlikely to report labor claims, said Newsom's office.Newsom said that the program will provide more tools for farmworkers, so they no longer have to worry about the fear of deportation or the difficulty of finding work without work authorization during cases of exploitation."Farmworkers are the backbone of our economy…
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28Jun 2023 by Charles E. Price
Why legal aid matters | opinion

Why legal aid matters | opinion

LEGAL
When I speak to civic groups about Alpine Legal Services, I'm surprised how many people have heard of us but aren't sure what we do.People also tell me they don't realize the right to legal representation applies mostly to criminal cases. They didn't know that those facing a life-altering civil legal matter — an eviction, a protection order from abuse and violence, a custody case, an emergency guardianship — are most often not entitled to an attorney. That's where civil legal aid comes in. That's what we do.Alpine Legal Services has been around in one form or another since 1987. A group of lawyers saw the need to uphold justice for people who had strong cases but didn't know how to present them and couldn't afford to hire an attorney.…
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18Jun 2023 by Charles E. Price
Christine Clarke returns to Legal Services NYC as Chief of Litigation and Advocacy

Christine Clarke returns to Legal Services NYC as Chief of Litigation and Advocacy

LEGAL
Christine Clarke, newly appointed Chief of Litigation and Advocacy at Legal Services NYC. Photo courtesy of Legal Services NYC. Legal Services NYC (LSNYC) announced on Wednesday that Christine Clarke will return to its ranks as Chief of Litigation and Advocacy, effective from July 2023. In this role, Clarke will spearhead LSNYC's strategic advocacy for low-income New Yorkers, initiating and overseeing high-impact and complex civil litigation, as well as partnering with advocates and community groups for innovative policy advocacy. “I am thrilled to return to Legal Services NYC, an organization that fights for justice and equity for and with people caught in the crosshairs of unjust systems,” Clarke said. “I believe in fighting the hard fights, something my colleagues at LSNYC do day in and day out. I am truly honored…
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17Jun 2023 by Charles E. Price
Boston awards grants to expand legal services to immigrants

Boston awards grants to expand legal services to immigrants

LEGAL
Charlas Manualides Group, an immigrant support group, gathers to learn about acquiring driver licenses and other processes. PHOTO: TANISHA BHAT The city has been awarded more than $700,000 in grants to 15 nonprofits in Boston to provide additional legal services to immigrants. The grants from the Office for Immigrant Advancement are to be used for such services as expanding support for immigrants from certain countries, helping them obtain driver's licenses aand providing legal consultations. “The immigration system is complicated, and it can be difficult and expensive to get access to qualified legal help,” Major Michelle Wu said in a recent news release. “I'm grateful to these organizations for stepping up to provide these critical services to our residents.” Immigrants often face difficulties finding adequate legal services, being able to afford…
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06May 2023 by Charles E. Price
Legal self-help center coming to Genesee County’s circuit courthouse

Legal self-help center coming to Genesee County’s circuit courthouse

LEGAL
FLINT, MI – A legal self-help center will soon be available to assist people on a walk-in basis in Genesee County Circuit Court, the county announced this week.YWCA Greater Flint and Legal Services of Eastern Michigan will soon be placing staff in the courthouse to assist with some services. The move was made possible through a $100,000 grant given to the county by the State Court Administrative Office Legal Self-Help Center Grant Program, Genesee County Circuit Court Administrator Barbara A. Menear said in a news release.The YWCA will be available for consultation on domestic violence issues beginning on Monday, May 22. Those seeking a personal protection order where domestic violence information and services may be appropriate will be advised of the on-site option, according to the release.YWCA staff will be…
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