Civil Track – Facing Crisis, Embracing Opportunity

Civil legal problems caused by the economic crisis and attempts by the Obama Administration and Congress to fashion new approaches to addressing these problems will have a significant impact on advocacy in civil legal aid programs. In addition, all eyes have turned to Washington to provide new resources, leadership and support. As this economic crisis hits poor people and communities of color the hardest, the civil legal aid community continues to play a critical role in resolving legal problems facing low-income Americans. The legal aid system itself is facing deep challenges to funding, while at the same time embarking upon a period of great opportunity in part due to the appointment of a new LSC Board of Directors and the potential for removal of some of the most arduous restrictions on LSC grantees. Significant opportunities for legal aid advocacy funding also exist within many federal agencies.

This year’s Civil Track will explore what legal aid providers can do to retool their advocacy efforts and take advantage of opportunities before us.

Join us in Denver for "Justice in Times of Challenge and Change." See the 2009 Annual Conference Program Book for complete information about our keynote speaker, all session offerings throughout the conference, and networking and social opportunities.