We have frequently commented on the paucity of affordable legal services for low- and moderate-income individuals facing serious legal problems. Publicly funded legal service programs in Connecticut are able to accept only a fraction of requests for assistance from eligible applicants. Those with modest incomes who do not qualify for free legal services are finding it increasingly difficult to afford market-rate legal fees. As a consequence, thousands of individuals and families face eviction and foreclosure notices, child custody proceedings, domestic violence hearings and other legal challenges involving basic human rights and interests without the support of legal advocates. Last year, nearly a quarter of all civil cases in Connecticut had one or more self-represented litigants. In family cases, the number rose to 85 percent.
Connecticut Bar Association President William Clendenen Jr. has made this justice gap a central focus of his presidency. He has called for increased funding for legal aid programs and more pro bono contributions from the private bar. Chief Justice Chase Rogers has convened an Access to Justice Commission, which has made important recommendations intended to meet the need for affordable legal assistance. The state legislature has proposed a bill to raise court fees for the benefit of legal aid programs. And Democratic state Sen. Martin Looney, the Senate president, has introduced a bill to create a “Civil Gideon” task force to study and recommend the best ways to address the legal needs of the increasing number of people compelled to represent themselves when facing serious civil legal problems.
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