Funding Sources for Non-Court Services

One of the greatest challenges to the network of free services for self-represented parties is maintaining funding for the nonprofit organizations that provide the services. The hundreds of volunteer attorneys provide most of the legal assistance needed, but each organization must provide staff to set up programs, train new attorneys, and coordinate volunteers. The organizations involved also provide essential umbrella malpractice insurance. The Court is not involved in any of these fundraising efforts, but recognizes the efforts of the bar and the nonprofits in finding ways to continue funding such essential services. Some of the ways in which the bar and these groups have come together are described below.

Fundraisers by Nonprofit Groups

Holiday Party

Each December in Los Angeles, the Financial Lawyers Conference, Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum, Federal Bar Association, LACBA Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section, CDCBAA, and Beverly Hills Bar Association Bankruptcy Committee jointly host a holiday party for all bankruptcy and insolvency professionals in the area. Proceeds are donated to the nonprofit organizations Public Counsel, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County, Bet Tzedek Legal Services, and the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles.

Golf Tournament

The Third Annual Earle Hagen Golf Tournament was held in September 2011. Sponsored by the Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum and CDCBAA, the tournament is held in memory of Earle Hagen, a well-respected and beloved bankruptcy attorney in this district for over 40 years. Bankruptcy judges and staff participated, joining more than 90 attorneys, trustees, and other members of the legal community. All proceeds from the tournament support pro bono programs.

 

Run For Justice

In March 2011, the eighth annual Run for Justice 5K race was held at Dodger Stadium, in conjunction with the Los Angeles Marathon. Each year, teams from law firms, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations come together to help raise money for Public Counsel Law Center. A group from the Court participates each year to show appreciation for Public Counsel’s assistance to the Court.

Run for Justice

Attorney Admissions Fund

The Attorney Admissions Fund (AAF), administered by the District Court, is funded by fees from new and pro hac vice admissions to the District Court. The AAF Board for the Central District of California allocates these funds for projects that will benefit attorneys and litigants in our Court, but that cannot be funded with appropriated funds. A number of the pro bono organizations administering self-help desks received grants to establish their programs. For example, a grant from the Attorney Admission Fund in 2011 helped to support the continued operation of the Los Angeles Self-Help Desk and Pro Se Clinic, and to allow the Self-Help Desk and Pro Se Clinic to maintain one full-time attorney position and one part-time paralegal position. Also in 2011, AAF gave Public Service Law Corporation the funds to help equip and staff the newly opened Riverside Joint Federal Pro Se Clinic with one part-time staff attorney and an intake secretary. The funding helps in the operation of the clinic by covering some of the costs and providing any training that may be required for the clinic to run effectively and efficiently.

Because of the limited amount of funding available, the AAF funding is intended to start the program and then be supplemented and gradually replaced through other fundraising efforts. For example, in 2008, the AAF funded the opening of the Self-Help Desk in the San Fernando Valley Division. Although funding could not be renewed, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County has been able to support the self-help services in the Valley.

County Bar Associations

There are many different bar associations providing financial support for the programs discussed above. In the Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley Divisions, support is received from the Los Angeles County Bar Association and the San Fernando Valley Bar Association. The Federal Bar Association also supports the Riverside Pro Se Clinic.

The various free legal services afforded to the self-represented parties in the Santa Ana Division are funded by a variety of organizations. These organizations include Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps, Equal Access Fund, the Orange County Bar Association’s Commercial Law & Bankruptcy Section, the Orange County Bankruptcy Forum, and Public Law Center.

Justice Ball

Since 1996, Bet Tzedek has held a Justice Ball fundraiser to support all of its services, including bankruptcy assistance. The Justice Ball, typically a sold-out event, includes live music from well-known performers, as well as a silent auction.

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